The role of digital solutions in NHS weight management programmes
Specialist facilities used to be the only way to collect detailed health data. Most of us now collect this 24/7 on our wrists. Now, users can track heart rate, exercise time, sleep quality, and even sleep cycles. Logging lifestyle habits like weight, food and water intake, mood, and smoking or alcohol use has also never been easier. Smartphones are the hub that bring all this information together.
Data from wearable technology lets healthcare teams offer more personalised support. AI-driven coaching and smart nudges can help users make sustainable lifestyle changes. At the same time, clinicians can spot patterns that may indicate potential health concerns. This allows for earlier intervention and better long-term outcomes.
Our secure and accredited app, AmaraHealth™, is designed to support patient health. It syncs seamlessly with Apple, Android and major fitness wearables. So clinicians get real-time wellbeing data (with user consent). There’s two-way communication between users and clinicians via the app and the PDH patient management platform. And users can also choose to sync their health record with the app. This means they’re able to see:
- Appointments
- Community services
- eLearning
- Messages from healthcare professionals
- And much more, in just one place.
AI coaching and personalised guidance
Digital health apps use AI to make sense of the data collected by wearables and smart devices. Providing personalised recommendations, including coaching, meal plans, workouts, and mindset advice. This is where AI shines. Processing vast amounts of data and finding the next logical step to help users reach their goals.
AI also powers automated reminders, motivational nudges, trend analysis, and progress tracking. These features keep users engaged and informed about their health and weight management journey.
AI’s on-demand feedback lets patients receive timely support, making weight management services more accessible and effective.
In-app coaching programmes
We’re launching an AI-driven weight management coaching programme via the AmaraHealth™ app. This provides personalised feedback, motivational nudges, and behaviour reminders to encourage sustainable lifestyle changes.
But it doesn’t stop there. The platform is flexible enough to host courses from NHS weight management programmes and other partners. Healthcare providers can seamlessly embed their own content, creating a tailored experience. Use your own branding. Design your own patient journey. It’s all possible with AmaraHealth™.
Platforms like AmaraHealth™ make it easier for healthcare to deliver support 24/7. With flexible interventions designed around individual users, digital tools are transforming how weight management support is delivered across the NHS.
How effective are digital health tools for weight management?
Several studies have looked at the impact of wearable fitness trackers on health and weight management. A review of existing research found that:
- Middle-aged and older adults benefited most from using activity trackers
- For those age groups, trackers had better results than standard weight management programmes
- Activity levels and other healthy behaviours increased with trackers
- Younger adults didn’t seem to benefit in the same way
This review shows that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Even with responsive digital tech. Fitness wearables are valuable, but they’re not the answer in isolation. We need a more personalised approach.
AI has the potential to bridge this gap. While AI-driven health tools need further research, early findings are promising. One study found that AI-optimised weight management services had similar results to traditional, clinician-led programmes. A larger study reinforced this. It found that combining AI coaching with occasional clinician support produced the best outcomes.
AI-supported programmes need just a third as much time from clinicians too. And deliver the same level of success. It’s clear that NHS weight management programmes need to bring AI on board. To make services more cost-effective, while delivering high-quality outcomes for patients with shorter waiting times.
AmaraHealth™ – your single-portal digital solution
The AmaraHealth™ platform is built for both clinicians and patients. It offers seamless integration with Apple and Android devices. And connects with the major wellbeing wearables. With user consent, it securely stores this data alongside medical records, creating a single portal for health data.
Within the app, service managers can communicate with users. They can schedule appointments, manage referrals, and deliver coaching programmes or courses. The platform also allows collaboration with colleagues across the NHS. Seamlessly enabling cross-department patient care.
AmaraHealth™ is fully customisable, allowing NHS providers to tailor branding and user experience. It’s easy to use for patients and clinicians. With our secure platform, you can trust that your patients’ data remains protected. Find out more about our certification and security.
Conclusion
Digital solutions are essential to the future of NHS weight management programmes. Apps like AmaraHealth™ help bridge the gap between patient needs and NHS resources. We’re putting power back into people’s hands – literally! All your health data in one secure app. With the power to sync seamlessly with wearables, clinics, and healthcare professionals.
AmaraHealth™ is leading the way in transforming digital weight management support. We empower patients and clinicians. Creating more accessible, efficient, and integrated services that are fit for our future.
Get in touch to find out how AmaraHealth™ could benefit your weight management service.
