Revolutionising Children's Weight Management: A Digital Success Story from Wales

In an era where childhood obesity continues to rise, an innovative program in Wales is showing remarkable success in helping young people achieve healthier lifestyles through digital technology.

The Active Families Active Lives (AFAL) program, developed by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, is transforming how we approach weight management for children with BMI above the 98th centile.

The Challenge

Traditional face-to-face weight management programs, while valuable, face significant limitations. Long waiting times, limited follow-up capacity, and the burden of hospital visits on families and children's education have made it increasingly difficult to provide effective support. With 12.6% of reception-age children in Wales classified as obese, and this number rising to 25.6% by year 6 in England, a new approach was desperately needed.

The Digital Solution

Enter the Virtual Ward - a groundbreaking approach combining wearable technology with personalized digital support. Through a partnership with Virtual Ward Technologies, the program provides children with Fitbit devices and a custom-designed app that enables continuous monitoring and support from healthcare professionals.

Impressive Results

The pilot program has shown remarkable outcomes:
- 100% of participants increased their step count
- 90% maintained engagement for the full 13-week program
- 70% of participants had learning differences/neurodiversity, yet all could effectively engage with the technology
- 86% reported feeling supported by a community through the virtual platform

What Makes It Different?

Unlike traditional programs requiring regular hospital visits, this digital approach offers:
- Continuous data monitoring and feedback
- Reduced time off school and work for families
- No travel costs
- Immediate professional support when needed
- Visual progress tracking that motivates young people

The Economic Impact

With childhood obesity costing the NHS in Wales £73 million annually and projected to reach £465 million by 2050, this program offers a cost-effective solution. The initial investment of £211,000 is dwarfed by the potential lifetime savings of £126,396 per child successfully supported through the program.

Patient Stories

"Being able to communicate virtually with a professional helped as I could get feedback and support without the inconvenience of having to set up a meeting and going to the hospital in person," shares one participant. Families consistently report that the visual nature of tracking progress through the app and watch helps maintain motivation and makes goals feel more achievable.

The Future

Following its success, the program is set to expand from its initial 10-patient pilot to 200 children across Cardiff and Vale, with plans to extend to other health boards in Wales. The model is also being adapted for adult weight management and pediatric Type 2 diabetes services.

This innovative approach demonstrates how digital technology can revolutionize healthcare delivery, making it more accessible, effective, and sustainable for both patients and healthcare providers. It's a shining example of how Wales is leading the way in digital healthcare transformation, putting patient needs at the center while achieving significant cost savings for the NHS.