Initial Counterweight Research
The Counterweight Project was launched in 2000: a national group of consultant clinicians recognised the need to tackle obesity management in a primary care setting.
Counterweight history started with an initial research phase in 56 general practices in 7 regions across the United Kingdom which ran from 2000-2005. There was a Weight Management Adviser (Counterweight Specialist) in each region to facilitate the implementation of Counterweight.
An extensive audit of the burden of obesity and obesity management in primary care was undertaken and has been published.
An intervention programme was developed as part of an evidence based quality assessment method, which incorporated evidence based pathways and strategies to empower clinicians and patients in weight loss management issues.
A competency based training and mentoring programme has also been developed to enable clinicians to implement the weight loss programme.
A system of continuous improvement methodology and, findings from the Counterweight research have been used to review and refine the programme.