With the 2026/27 GP contract released, let’s take a look at one of the changes that has been grabbing some headlines recently. The inclusion of specific obesity management indicators within the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) will be backed by £25m in ring-fenced funding. With 18 QOF points allocated, the Government is incentivising practices to identify, record, and support patients living with obesity, Including the prescribing of GLP-1 weight-loss medications (such as Mounjaro and Wegovy) where clinically appropriate.
This move aims to standardise obesity support across England, but it also places a new administrative and clinical demand on already stretched GP teams.
Key Takeaways:
- Incentivised Obesity Care: New QOF indicators for 2026/27 offer financial rewards for BMI recording and “appropriate” weight-loss prescribing.
- Funding for Implementation: £25m has been allocated to support the rollout of these services in general practice.
- The Pharmacist Solution: Clinical pharmacists are the ideal staff to manage these reviews, ensuring clinical safety and hitting targets without adding to GP workloads.
What are the New QOF Obesity Indicators for 2026/27?
The new QOF indicators for obesity care are designed to ensure that adults with a high BMI are consistently identified and offered evidence-based support. The two new QOF indicators are OB004 ( which is referral to weight management and worth 5 points) and OB005 (focusing on shared decision-making and pharmacotherapy and worth13 points).
These indicators focus on the accurate recording of BMI and the provision of “appropriate” support (which includes referrals to weight management programmes and, for eligible patients, the initiation and monitoring of GLP-1 receptor agonists).
By making these metrics part of the QOF, the NHS aims to shift obesity management from an ad-hoc service to a core part of chronic disease management. However, for many practices, the challenge lies in the sheer volume of patients. Data suggests that millions of people may be eligible for these treatments, and the workload of monitoring side effects and titration is substantial. This is where clinical pharmacist services become essential (acting as the clinical lead for these specialised clinics).
How Can PCNs Deliver Equitable Access to GLP-1s?
Equitable access to GLP-1 medications involves ensuring that weight-loss treatments are prioritised for those with the highest clinical need, regardless of their ability to pay for private prescriptions. To achieve this, a Primary Care Network must implement a standardised referral and prescribing pathway that reaches into deprived communities where obesity rates are often highest.
A coordinated PCN approach allows for shared resources (such as a dedicated weight management clinical pharmacist) to work across multiple practices. These staff can conduct a Structured Medication Review (SMR) for patients with multiple comorbidities to determine if weight-loss medication is the safest and most effective intervention. This population-health approach ensures that the £25m funding is used to bridge the health inequality gap rather than widening it.
Why Should Clinical Pharmacists Lead Obesity Clinics?
Clinical pharmacists should lead obesity clinics because they possess the specific expertise and the experience of medicines optimisation required to safely manage GLP-1 receptor agonist s. Their role includes educating patients on injection techniques, managing gastrointestinal side effects, and ensuring that the “wraparound care” (lifestyle and dietary advice) mandated by NICE is consistently delivered alongside the prescription.
By placing a clinical pharmacist at the helm of weight management, GPs are freed from the time-consuming tasks of routine BMI checks and dosage adjustments. This professional-led model ensures that every SMR and therapy review is thorough, evidence-based, and aligned with the latest ICB guidelines. If you are looking to prepare your practice for the 2026/27 contract changes, contact us to see how our clinical staff can support your team.
