LONDON — The UK government has announced an £85 million investment to support new obesity care projects, aiming to improve access to treatment through digital technology, artificial intelligence and community-based healthcare services.

The programme will fund 12 pioneering projects across the UK, introducing innovative approaches such as AI-assisted patient triage, virtual health support and digital tools that help people access specialist obesity services more easily. The initiative is backed jointly by the government and pharmaceutical company Lilly.

Health officials say the projects are designed to reach underserved communities, giving thousands of patients easier access to personalised weight management support while reducing pressure on traditional NHS services. Several programmes will use technology to identify patients earlier and connect them with clinical teams more efficiently.

The investment comes as obesity continues to place growing pressure on the NHS, increasing the risk of conditions including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. Officials believe combining medical expertise with digital innovation could improve long-term health outcomes while helping reduce future healthcare costs.

Experts say the programme represents an important shift towards preventive healthcare, with technology playing a larger role in supporting patients outside hospitals and GP surgeries. If successful, the projects could shape future NHS obesity services across the country.