North Central London Integrated Care Board (now West and North London ICB) has approved an updated NCL Child Weight Management Pathway for children and young people aged up to 18 years. The pathway is designed to support earlier identification, consistent management and improved outcomes for children living with overweight and obesity.

The pathway replaces previously separate borough specific pathways across Barnet, Camden, Haringey and Islington, creating a single, NCL-wide approach aligned with the latest NICE guidance. It provides clear, practical guidance for primary care and wider children’s services on how and when to raise conversations about weight, undertake appropriate assessments, and refer children to the right support at the right time.

The pathway has been developed through a multidisciplinary task and finish group, led by Dr Rosi Marsh (clinical lead) and Michele Guimarin (commissioning lead), with contributions from paediatric specialists, dietitians, psychologists, GPs, public health teams, school nursing, health visiting and children’s services across all five NCL boroughs. This collaborative approach ensures the pathway is clinically robust, grounded in real world practice and responsive to local population needs.

The pathway aims to reduce unwarranted variation, improve patient experience, and support healthcare professionals to engage families sensitively, particularly those from communities where excess weight and related health complications are more prevalent. An accompanying professional education offer will support successful implementation.

For further information or queries, contact: Temitope Ojewola, WNL ICB CYP Start Well Lead.