NHS Lifestyle Appointments

Aquarius1234 · 2023-12-04T22:22:42+00:00

Has anyone done these? Most are the standard 10 minute appointments with some general goals , advice which is common sense and a weigh in with in person appointments. Around 6 sessions. Anyway AIBU to find them patronising and a waste of time in the long run?

ThanksButNoThanksImDoneNow · 04/12/2023 22:33

advice which is common sense

lifestyle advice is all common sense though, if more people drank less, ate less, moved more etc etc then half of them wouldn’t need Drs appointments/statins/bp meds/diabetes meds etc.

You may find it patronising but, if it even helped half a dozen people in your practice make heathy changes, it would be worth it it the long run.

redalex261 · 04/12/2023 22:36

Our surgery does them for everyone over fifty - BP check, weight, bloods, chat about diet and exercise. Its just one appointment though so not sure if same idea. If you are doing all the things then yes, the lifestyle advice is patronising (especially if delivered by a big fat nurse!) But, if you are driving round with a fag in one hand and a doughnut in the other then maybe they give a wee jab to start thinking about looking after yourself better.

katmarie · 04/12/2023 22:37

I was referred by my gynae consultant6w as part of an effort to lose weight, in order to qualify for surgery. I was fully expecting it to be patronising and pointless. However, the person I was referred to came across as thoughtful, imaginative about lifestyle changes and health in general, and he was also refreshingly realistic. I got the sense that he practiced what he preached, and he was very open about his own experiences and successes, as well as what he finds challenging. It was useful to chat to him about what positive changes I could make, I got some good ideas and tips, and it's kept me on track. I've lost 8kg so far, over the 12 weeks, and these sessions have definitely helped.

I suspect it depends a lot on who you get, but on the whole my experience has been positive.

Original poster

Aquarius1234 · 04/12/2023 22:46

redalex261 · 04/12/2023 22:36

Our surgery does them for everyone over fifty - BP check, weight, bloods, chat about diet and exercise. Its just one appointment though so not sure if same idea. If you are doing all the things then yes, the lifestyle advice is patronising (especially if delivered by a big fat nurse!) But, if you are driving round with a fag in one hand and a doughnut in the other then maybe they give a wee jab to start thinking about looking after yourself better.

Ok I thought it was random. Nothing to do with age.
Though I do have high B P.
I assume lots cancel or don't bother going.

OP posts:

Hbh17 · 04/12/2023 22:49

I'm well over 50 - never been offered one, but I'm pretty sure I would refuse as they sound like a waste of time and money.

Original poster

Aquarius1234 · 04/12/2023 22:49

Because they aren't medically trained it's not very in dept at all.
A head start maybe to lose some weight. But then no further contact once it ends.
I assume most people maybe just end up putting the weight back on. So pretty much same as they started.
No motivation to keep at it. Unless you are determined.

OP posts:

dayone · 04/12/2023 23:02

It's not clear OP if you've done the sessions or have been offered and decided not to bother?

But this is a good example of proactive care and supporting self-management. As a pp has said, sure some may find it simple and patronising, but for others it may kick start consideration of a healthier lifestyle.

Original poster

Aquarius1234 · 07/12/2023 22:32

dayone · 04/12/2023 23:02

It's not clear OP if you've done the sessions or have been offered and decided not to bother?

But this is a good example of proactive care and supporting self-management. As a pp has said, sure some may find it simple and patronising, but for others it may kick start consideration of a healthier lifestyle.

I have done them, didn't learn much at all from it.

OP posts:

bakebeans · 07/12/2023 22:53

I think it's a good idea. I'm a practice nurse . I see people who want pills as a fix and aren't prepared to look after their health. Too busy, too tired. It their problem
some actually want you to tell them what to do. They dont want to actually take responsibility for their own health and think it's the NHS who is responsible until I tell them that I'm not responsible for what time they choose to go to bed. I'm not responsible for what they eat or whether they smoke or drink.