CORE Study - Research Into Weight Management Services in the UK
The CORE Study is a research project focused on understanding weight management services across the UK. These services, sometimes called Tier 3, help people with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) or those with health conditions like diabetes. They offer various treatments, including medication, special diets, and support before and after weight-loss surgery. While we have some information about surgery, there isn't much known about these broader weight management clinics. This study aims to find out where these services are available, who is using them, and how effective they are. The goal is to make sure these important services are fair, accessible, and work well for everyone who needs them.
At a glance
What is this study about?
The CORE Study is investigating weight management services in the UK. These are specialist services designed to help individuals who need support managing their weight. They are for people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 35, or over 30 if they also have conditions like diabetes. These services offer a variety of options, including different medications, special low-energy liquid diets, and support for those considering or having had weight-loss surgery.
Currently, we don't have a lot of detailed information about these specific weight management services across the country. We know a bit more about weight-loss surgery and overall obesity rates, but understanding how the wider weight management clinics operate is a bit of a mystery. For example, we don't know exactly where all these services are, how many people are referred to them, the different backgrounds of people who use them, or what happens to them after treatment.
This study is important because this lack of information makes it hard to know if everyone who needs these services can access them fairly, if people are being sent to the right services, and if the services themselves are truly helping people across the UK. By collecting this information, the CORE Study hopes to improve how these services are provided, making them more effective and available to everyone who could benefit.
Key takeaways
- The CORE Study is researching UK weight management services.
- It aims to understand who uses these services and how effective they are.
- The study helps improve fair access to weight management support.
- Participation likely involves using an English-language app.
- Your involvement could lead to better care for others in the future.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in the CORE Study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or over. You also need to be currently receiving care from a weight management service and be able to provide your consent to participate.
One key requirement is that you must be able to use a smartphone app. This app will be in English, so you'll need to be able to download and use it. If you can't or don't want to use an English-language app, or are not currently part of a weight management service, then this study might not be suitable for you.
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.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Are you currently seeing a weight management service?
- Can you download and confidently use an app on your phone?
- Is the app being in English suitable for you?
- Are you happy to give your permission to take part?
What does participation involve?
The details of participation are not fully specified without a detailed patient information sheet. However, based on the eligibility, it is likely that taking part would involve you, as a patient receiving care from a weight management service, being asked to download and use a specific app on your phone. This app would likely be used to collect information about your experiences with the weight management service. The total duration of your participation would depend on how long the study plans to collect data via the app, which is not stated here.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Society for EndocrinologyVerified postcodeBristol, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is a weight management service?
It's a specialist service that helps people manage their weight, often through medication, special diets, or support for weight-loss surgery.
Why is this study important?
It helps us understand if these services are available everywhere, who uses them, and how well they work, so they can be improved for everyone.
Do I have to take part if my doctor mentions it?
No, taking part in any study is always your choice. You can say no without it affecting your care.
Will my personal details be kept private?
Studies like this always take great care to protect your information and keep it private.
What happens with the information they collect?
The information helps researchers understand how to make weight management services better and more accessible across the UK.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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