Join us for our first webinar of 2026 on Wednesday 18th March 2026, 19:00-20:00
People living with severe mental illness (SMI) experience some of the highest rates of obesity and metabolic disease in healthcare. Antipsychotic and antidepressant medications, illness-related factors, and barriers to accessing mainstream weight-management services all contribute to this inequity. Yet current obesity pathways are often poorly aligned with the needs of people with SMI.
This webinar, presented by Dr Toby Pillinger, will explore how weight management can be delivered more effectively for people with severe mental health conditions. Drawing on clinical experience, recent evidence, and emerging NHS policy, the session will cover:
- The prevalence and impact of obesity in people with SMI
- How psychiatric medications influence weight and metabolic health
- Lived-experience perspectives on weight gain and treatment
- Evidence-based strategies for managing medication-related weight gain
- The role of GLP-1 receptor agonists and other pharmacological options
- Practical challenges in accessing Tier 3 and Tier 4 obesity services
- How obesity and mental health pathways can be better integrated
- Future directions for service design and commissioning
The talk will provide practical guidance for clinicians and commissioners working at the interface of mental health and obesity services, highlighting opportunities to improve access, equity, and outcomes for this underserved population.
We invite you to join the conversation
Speakers:
