Those responsible for setting competences and continuing professional development programmes for health professionals (including local education and training boards; local education and training councils and professional bodies) should:

• Ensure professional development training on weight management is available for health and social care professionals.

• Train GPs and other health and social care professionals to identify when to raise weight management with someone and to do so confidently, but with empathy. They should understand why many adults have difficulty managing their weight and the experiences they may face in relation to it. This includes considering the effect of their attitudes to, and any concerns about, their own weight.

• Train GPs and other health and social care professionals to accurately measure and record height and weight, determine BMI and accurately measure waist circumference.

• Train GPs and other health and social care professionals to understand the practical skills and behaviours that can help someone lose or maintain their weight and how to provide ongoing support and encouragement. This includes encouraging people to self-manage and self-monitor their weight and any associated behaviours over the long term.

• Train GPs and other health and social care professionals to discuss the likely benefits of a lifestyle weight management programme with service users, taking into account someone's personal circumstances. For example, they should take into account any associated medical conditions or personal factors, such as someone's commitment to change.

• Train GPs and other health and social care professionals in how to help people make an informed decision about the best weight management option for them. They should also be able to refer people to the most appropriate weight management service. This includes identifying people with more complex needs and referring them to appropriate services (such as mental health, psychological or alcohol services).

• Train GPs and other health and social care professionals to identify when someone may benefit from re-referral to a lifestyle weight management programme.