The PCN Dietitian: A Key Player in Weight Management
Jenny Ward, PCN Dietitian
In Unity Primary Care Network (PCN) in Coventry, 28% of all dietetic referrals are specifically for weight management, highlighting the immense need for accessible, specialised support. PCN dietitians play a vital role in meeting this demand by offering a personalised, comprehensive approach that addresses the complex factors influencing a patient's health, going far beyond traditional dietary advice.
Alongside GPs, PCN dietitians are often the first point of contact for patients living with overweight or obesity. A key part of their role is to assess eligibility and facilitate referrals to other specialist services. These include the local integrated healthy lifestyles service, specialist weight management clinics, or targeted educational programs like the National Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP) for pre-diabetics and DESMOND for those with a diabetes diagnosis. Dietitians also identify and support suitable candidates for the Diabetes Remission Programme, a "soups and shakes" diet.
For patients facing waiting lists of over a year for specialist services, dietitians provide crucial interim support. This hands-on, local care helps individuals stay motivated, track their progress, and start implementing healthy habits immediately. The focus is on setting well-defined, measurable goals and promoting sustainable lifestyle changes instead of short-term "fad diets." This practical guidance includes:
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Meal planning to ensure healthy food is always available.
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Promoting balanced eating patterns through regular meals and appropriate portion sizes.
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Encouraging mindful eating to increase awareness of the body's hunger cues.
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Educating on high-fat and high-sugar foods.
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Providing simple, actionable tips, such as filling half a plate with vegetables or salad.
Recognising that weight management is a multifaceted issue, dietitians work closely with other primary care professionals to ensure a truly holistic approach. They advise on increasing physical activity and,as needed, partner with social prescribers to connect patients with local exercise schemes. They also collaborate with in-house physiotherapists to address any physical barriers to exercise.
Understanding the strong link between mental health and weight, dietitians also work closely with the GP wellbeing team, which includes wellbeing advisors, mental health nurses, and psychologists. This ensures patients receive the appropriate mental health support that is often a critical factor in long-term success.
In response to direct patient feedback, PCN dietitians at Unity Primary Network launched monthly wellbeing weight management groups. These sessions fill a service gap by providing peer support and holistic education on diet, physical and mental wellbeing, sleep hygiene, and social connections. This initiative demonstrates the dietitian's ability to be innovative, identify service gaps, and provide patient-centred care that addresses more than just food.
The positive impact of a PCN dietitian is best illustrated through individual patient outcomes:
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Mrs. Z, with a BMI of 48, successfully lost 8kg while under the dietitian's care while waiting for access to a specialist weight management service.
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Mr. C, who had Type 2 diabetes for six years, attended a diabetes group talk and decided to try the "soups and shakes" remission program. He lost 6.6kg in 2 months, stopped all diabetes medications, reduced his blood pressure medications, and maintained good blood glucose and blood pressure levels.
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Mrs. B, with a BMI of 53, felt her weight was having a huge impact on her mental health. She lost a total of 12.4kg through a combination of diet changes and Orlistat, by focusing on greatly reducinghigh-fat foods.
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Mrs. A, who was using Mounjaro privately, successfully lost weight and made significant behavioural changes with the dietitian's help in creating a balanced meal pattern and was able to stop the medication.
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Mr. D, joined the wellbeing weight management group, From this he joined a local walking football group and reduced his portion sizes and has lost and maintained a 9kg weight loss.
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Miss X, a 34-year-old with a high BMI, successfully reduced her weight by 15% in four months with guidance on time-restricted and mindful eating.
These case studies highlight the central role PCN dietitians play in delivering evidence-based, compassionate care that leads to life-changing health improvements.