Complications of excess weight (CEW) in children and young people

This foundation elearning programme supports multi-professional teams working with children and young people (CYP) living with obesity and their families. The programme consists of five modules, which introduce learners to the identification of complications associated with excess weight, the different levels of overweight in CYP, the relationship between severe obesity and mental health, evidence-based interventions for weight management, and the wider social and safeguarding factors influencing childhood obesity. There are no prerequisites, and the modules can be completed in any order; however, learners may benefit from approaching them sequentially to build a strong foundation of knowledge. By the end of the programme, learners will understand correct approaches to measurement, the prevalence and impact of obesity in the UK, the evidence base for interventions, and the biopsychosocial contributors to excess weight. This programme is designed primarily for CEW multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) but is relevant to all health and social care practitioners supporting CYP with obesity.

Across the programme, learners will develop an evidence-informed understanding of how to identify and manage conditions related to excess weight, apply best practice in supporting CYP with obesity, and recognise the interconnected clinical, psychological, and social aspects that influence health outcomes. The programme aims to enhance the quality and consistency of care delivered by MDT clinicians, standardise training opportunities nationally, and improve staff retention by making CEW services an attractive and well-supported area in which to work. Learners will be supported to strengthen their knowledge of effective interventions, understand safeguarding considerations, and apply a holistic approach to achieving improved experiences and outcomes for CYP referred to CEW clinics.

This programme was developed to ensure robust, consistent training for CEW clinic teams and wider professionals working with CYP living with obesity. It supports the NHS Long Term Plan’s commitments to improving obesity treatment pathways and enhancing early, equitable access to specialist support. We would like to acknowledge the writing team at the BDA for their contribution to the CEW elearning narrative, and the experts and representatives from collaborating organisations who reviewed and informed the materials. For further information, please refer to the resources available within the Learning Hub catalogue.