RecruitingInterventional

An online group programme to support weight management in adults who have severe obesity

Living with severe obesity can affect your health, energy, and quality of life. The NHS offers specialist weight management support, but getting to hospital or clinic appointments in person can be difficult due to travel, costs, or busy routines. This study tests a new online programme called PROGROUP-Online. Researchers want to see if running video group sessions from home is practical and helpful for patients. If you take part, you will join 12 online group sessions and have three private video calls with a healthcare professional over five months. You will learn practical ways to build healthier eating and activity habits. You will also complete simple health surveys and have your weight checked at the start and after six months. Taking part is completely voluntary and aims to help the NHS design more accessible, convenient weight support services for the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

31 Oct 2026

Obesity and other hyperalimentation

What is this study about?

Severe obesity affects millions of adults across the UK and can increase the risk of serious health problems like type 2 diabetes, joint pain, and heart disease. While the NHS provides specialist weight management clinics, in-person group sessions are not always easy to attend. Travel time, clinic locations, and busy schedules can make it difficult for many people to get the help they need.

To make support easier to reach, researchers have adapted a proven face-to-face programme into an online format called PROGROUP-Online. This project is a feasibility study. That means it is designed to find out whether delivering this kind of group care over the internet is practical, comfortable, and acceptable for both patients and NHS staff before running a larger national trial.

Over the course of the study, you will work with trained healthcare professionals—such as dietitians, nurses, or physiotherapists—alongside other people on a similar journey. By sharing your feedback, you will play an important role in helping the NHS shape remote care services that fit more easily into people's daily lives.

Key takeaways

Tests an online video version of an NHS group weight management programme.
Designed for adults referred to specialist NHS weight services (BMI 35+ with conditions, or 40+).
Involves 12 online group meetings and three private calls over five months.
No study medications or treatments are involved.
Helps researchers understand if remote group care works well for patients and NHS staff.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adults aged 18 to 85 who have been referred to a participating NHS specialist weight management service. Typically, this means having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher if you also have other health conditions related to your weight.

To take part, you must be comfortable joining group video sessions, willing to have your weight checked twice, and able to give your informed consent. You will also need a device with an internet connection, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

You will not be able to join if you are already taking part in another weight management research study, plan to move away from the area soon, or cannot attend the scheduled online appointments.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am aged between 18 and 85 years.
I have been referred to an NHS specialist weight management service.
My BMI is 40 or higher, or 35 or higher with related health conditions.
I have access to the internet and a smartphone, tablet, or computer for video calls.
I am willing to join group discussions and have my weight checked twice.
I am not currently taking part in another weight management trial.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in the study lasts for about six months in total. You will join the PROGROUP-Online programme, which runs over five months. It includes 12 group video sessions with up to 15 other participants, plus three private one-to-one video calls with a trained health professional. There are no study medications involved.

During the programme, you will learn behavioural techniques like setting achievable goals, solving daily hurdles, and making sustainable changes to your diet and activity. You will be asked to complete short questionnaires at the start, at three months, and at six months. You will also have your weight measured at the beginning and the end of the study. A small number of participants will be invited to take part in an optional photo activity and interview to share their personal experiences.

Potential risks and benefits

You may find the group discussions, professional advice, and healthy habit tips helpful for your wellbeing, although weight loss cannot be guaranteed. You will also receive a £10 voucher when you complete the final survey. There are no physical risks, but talking about weight and lifestyle habits can sometimes feel personal or sensitive, and the sessions require a regular time commitment. Your participation is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any point without your standard NHS medical care being affected.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
City only
Coventry, England
South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Wakefield, England

Common questions

Do I need special technology to take part?

You only need a reliable internet connection and a device that can make video calls, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer with a webcam.

Does this study involve weight loss injections or pills?

No. This study focuses entirely on lifestyle support, healthy eating advice, and behavioural habit changes through online sessions.

Do I have to pay to join the programme?

No, taking part is completely free. You will also receive a £10 shopping voucher as a thank-you after finishing the final questionnaire.

What happens if I feel nervous about speaking in a group?

The group sessions are run by trained, supportive healthcare staff who ensure the environment is friendly, respectful, and safe. You only share as much as you feel comfortable with.

Can I leave the study if it is not right for me?

Yes. You are free to step down at any time, for any reason, and your regular NHS treatment will carry on exactly as normal.

How to find out more

Alicia Eveson

Alicia.eveson@plymouth.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.