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    The content on this page is not current guidance and is only for the purposes of the consultation process.

    Digitally enabled technologies to support treatment with weight-management medication in specialist weight-management services: early value assessment

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    1 Recommendations

    1.1 Four digitally enabled weight-management technologies can be used in the NHS while more evidence is generated to support treatment with weight-management medication in adults.

    The following technologies can only be used once they have appropriate Digital Technology Assessment Criteria (DTAC) approval:

    • Liva (Liva)

    • Oviva (Oviva)

    • Roczen (Reset Health)

    • Second Nature (Second Nature).

    1.2 The technology developers must confirm that agreements are in place to generate the evidence (as outlined in NICE's evidence generation plan) and contact NICE annually to confirm that evidence is being generated and analysed as planned. NICE may withdraw the guidance if these conditions are not met.

    1.3 At the end of the evidence generation period (4 years), the technology developers should submit the evidence to NICE in a form that can be used for decision making. NICE will review the evidence and assess if the technologies can be routinely adopted in the NHS.

    1.4 More research is needed on 3 digitally enabled weight-management technologies to support treatment with weight-management medication in adults. The technologies are:

    • CheqUp (CheqUp Health)

    • Gro Health W8Buddy (DDM Health)

    • Wellbeing Way (Xyla Health and Wellbeing).

    1.5 Access to the 3 technologies should be through company or research funding (non-core NHS funding).

    Evidence generation and research

    1.6 More evidence needs to be generated on the following key outcomes:

    • change in weight

    • adherence and completion rates

    • how the technologies monitor and report adverse events

    • impact on resource use, including the number and type of healthcare appointments and cost of medication.

      Further important outcomes are described in the further evidence section of this guidance.

    Potential benefits

    • Unmet need: Digitally enabled weight-management technologies provide specialist weight-management programmes that are another option to support treatment with weight-management medication in adults. They will particularly benefit people who do not have access to specialist weight-management services in their area or who are on a waiting list so are not currently supported by a specialist weight-management programme. Weight-management medication can only be accessed alongside specialist weight-management services. So, these technologies may also improve access to medication.

    • Clinical benefit: Early evidence suggests that weight loss is similar at 2 years, compared with face-to-face specialist weight-management services.

    • Resources: The technologies may reduce the demand on face-to-face specialist weight management programmes. This may release resources and increase access or reduce waiting times.

    • Access: The technologies may provide more flexible access to services for people who are unable to travel or prefer to access services remotely.

    Managing risk

    • Clinical assessment: A full clinical assessment and referral for weight management medication is needed before using these technologies to make sure they are suitable.

    • Multidisciplinary support: The technologies provide support from a multidisciplinary team (MDT) of qualified healthcare professionals. This includes psychological support and monitoring to reduce the risk of harm, including from disordered eating.

    • Equality: The technologies may not be suitable for everyone. People who are less comfortable or skilled at using digital technologies are less likely to benefit from them and may prefer a different treatment option. People with visual, hearing or cognitive impairment, reduced manual dexterity, a learning disability or who are unable to read or understand health-related information (including people who cannot read English) may need additional support to use the technologies.

    • Costs: Early results from the economic modelling show that the technologies could be cost effective. This guidance will be reviewed within 4 years and the recommendations may change. Take this into account when negotiating the length of contracts and licence costs.