Ways to Improve Uptake of Tier 2 Weight Management Programmes in BAME Communities in Medway

Abstract

Overweight and obesity is usually determined by Body Mass Index (BMI). Twelve BAME adults participated in the interviews: six were female, ten were first-generation migrants, three were retirees, none lived with a disability, and all were concerned about their excess weight. There were four themes from the data and eight subthemes obtained. To improve the uptake of the weight management service provided in Medway, the participants recommended the use of strategies such as indigenous food labelling, BAME-led clinics, the use of translated leaflets, the recruitment of local weight management champions, better coordination of services, appropriate communication strategies, and further research. This study investigated a small sample of English-speaking participants, which may not represent all people from BAME backgrounds in Medway and across the United Kingdom (UK). This study investigated the perspectives of residents who are overweight or obese, as well as weight management concerns among ethnically diverse adults. It also investigated how to increase the use of weight management services in Medway, England. In Medway, 69.2% of adults are living with overweight or obesity, which is considerably higher than the national average of 62%. Indigenous food labelling, BAME-led clinics, the use of translated leaflets, the recruitment of local weight management champions, better coordination of services, appropriate communication strategies, and further research are essential ingredients that can be used to improve access to and uptake of weight management programmes in BAME communities.