Journal of health services research & policy
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J Health Serv Res Policy · Jul 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialInfluence of body mass index on prescribing costs and potential cost savings of a weight management programme in primary care.
Prescribed medications represent a high and increasing proportion of UK health care funds. Our aim was to quantify the influence of body mass index (BMI) on prescribing costs, and then the potential savings attached to implementing a weight management intervention. ⋯ Drug prescriptions rise from a minimum at BMI of 20 kg/m(2) and steeply above BMI 30 kg/m(2). An effective weight management programme in primary care could potentially reduce prescription costs and lead to substantial cost avoidance, such that at least 8% of the programme delivery cost would be recouped from prescribing savings alone in the first year.