Not every pharmacy will be able to offer a commissioned weight management service, but there is no reason not consider your own scheme. Tips have been shared in Independent Community Pharmacy, including those given by Jean Jones, co-owner of The Pharmacy, Windmill Lane, Manchester.21

Among the benefits she highlighted were:

·      Offering continual free, weekly weigh-ins for those who would like them takes two minutes of staff time in return for customer loyalty

·      Having invested in staff training of one afternoon a week over three months, staff gained confidence and their improved consultation skills were transferable to any topic

·      The service builds good professional relationships with local practice nurses

·      It can result in people's health improving to the point that patients may be able to come off their blood pressure medication; the pharmacy can continue to monitor blood pressure rather than the patient going back to the GP.

Other tips include:

·      Weight management is a very sensitive issue €“ staff can observe customers who browse the shelves or leaflet stand/information panel for weight management advice or products and use this as a conversation opener

·      Equip your consultation room with aids such as a healthy portion plate, a portion-measuring cup, weighing scales and a waist tape measure

·      Have in-store promotion such as weight management leaflets

·      Advertise your full range of services in local GP surgeries, clinics, libraries and on the pharmacy delivery van.