What is a Specialist Weight Management Service (Tier 3)?

A specialist weight management service provides specialist support for people living with obesity. Highly trained multidisciplinary team help people to make sustainable lifestyle changes whilst considering the health conditions associated with obesity. Some services also offer weight loss medications.

What’s changing

From 24th October 2025, the eligibility criteria for new referrals to Adult Specialist Weight Management Services (Tier 3) in South Yorkshire are changing.
These changes will be reviewed in 12 months.

The changes aim to make access fairer and ensure that people with the greatest health need can receive specialist support within the resources available.

Why the criteria are changing

Following increased public interest in new weight loss medications approved by NICE, demand for specialist services has risen sharply. This has led to long waiting times in some services in South Yorkshire.

Until now, referral criteria have differed between areas, leading to unequal access. The new approach introduces one consistent set of referral criteria across South Yorkshire and for people using Right to Choose services.

These changes only apply to new referrals.
If you are already on a waiting list, your eligibility is not affected.

Who can be referred

You can be referred to an Adult Specialist Weight Management Service (Tier 3) if you meet all four of the following:

1.

Are aged 18 or over and registered with a South Yorkshire GP.

AND

 

2.

Have taken part in a recognised weight management programme within the past 24 months, such as:

  • A local Tier 2 weight management programme
  • The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme or Diabetes Prevention Programme
  • A commercial weight loss group (e.g. Slimming World, Weight Watchers)
  • Structured support through your GP or local authority (dietetic, health coaching, or practice nurse support)
  • The 12-week free NHS Weight Loss Plan app

You must also be willing and able to take part actively in the full Specialist Weight Management Service programme.

 

AND

 

3.

Have one of the following:

  • A BMI above 50 kg/m²


OR

 

  • Meet the NHS England criteria for access to tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) in primary care settings as set out in the NHSE Interim Commissioning guidance:  Implementation of the NICE Technology Appraisal TA1026 and the NICE funding variation for tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) for the management of obesity.— currently for Cohort 1 patients only (Cohort one – must have a BMI of 40 or more and four of the following five conditions: hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus).


OR

 

  • Are a young person transitioning from a Complications of Excess Weight (CEW) service.

 

Note: For people from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African, or African-Caribbean backgrounds, the BMI thresholds are 2.5 kg/m² lower to ensure equitable access.

 

If urgent weight loss is needed before a life-saving procedure (for example, surgery or cancer treatment), your clinician can request an Individual Funding Request (IFR) for specialist support.

 

AND

 

4.

Do not have any of the exclusion criteria set out in the ICB commissioning policy (policies and procedures page of the website)

 

These criteria do not apply to maternity or children’s weight management services.

How do I get referred to a Specialist Weight Management Service?

To be referred to a specialist weight management service, you should speak to your GP, who can assess your needs and make a referral to local services if you meet the criteria.

There are other weight management services available via GP referral. Your GP will be able to advise if they are more appropriate for you.

Find out more

You can read the full ICB Commissioning Policy and detailed referral criteria policies and procedures page.

Issued by:
NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board
Effective from: 24th October 2025
Review date: October 2026