A landmark obesity study, the Scotland CardioMetabolic Impact Study (SCoMIS), has been launched to place Scottish patients, particularly those in deprived areas, at the heart of research on weight-loss medicines. Backed by the UK government with an initial £650,000 investment, the study is a collaborative effort involving the University of Glasgow, pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk, and clinical research provider IQVIA, alongside support from the Universities of Dundee and Edinburgh. The research will involve 3,000 to 5,000 participants from across Scotland to understand the real-world effects of incretin-based medicines on obesity and related health outcomes.
The study aims to address the high prevalence of obesity in Scotland, especially in economically disadvantaged communities, where over one in three adults are affected. By focusing on these areas, SCoMIS seeks to reduce health inequalities, improve long-term health outcomes, and ease pressure on NHS services. The initiative aligns with the UK’s Obesity Healthcare Goals Programme and Life Sciences Sector Plan, which aim to harness innovation, support healthcare delivery, and position the UK as a leader in obesity research.
During the research design phase, the consortium will finalize the study protocol, establish fair patient recruitment methods, and ensure the study is practical and equitable. The main study will evaluate how weight-loss medicines can be delivered effectively in everyday NHS care, measure improvements in weight and quality of life, assess impacts on obesity-related illnesses and healthcare costs, and examine whether improved health helps people remain in work and engage more fully in society.
SCoMIS will also explore how digital technologies and AI-driven patient support can enhance engagement and data collection, providing robust evidence to guide NHS commissioning and inform future obesity care. The findings will help expand the rollout of effective treatments, particularly in deprived communities, and offer insights into the safety, efficacy, and societal benefits of incretin-based therapies.
The study underscores a real-world, patient-focused approach to tackling obesity as a complex disease linked to multiple health conditions. By involving patients, communities, academic institutions, and industry partners, SCoMIS aims to create a scalable, evidence-based model for obesity management in Scotland and across the UK, while contributing to global knowledge on the societal value of obesity treatments.
