Tackling Childhood Obesity: How Virtual Ward Technology is Transforming Weight Management in Cardiff
Childhood obesity is a growing challenge, with long-term health and economic implications. Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (CAVUHB), in partnership with Virtual Ward Technology, has introduced a digital-first approach to weight management services for children. By integrating wearable technology and virtual support, this initiative is making weight management more accessible, engaging, and effective for young people and their families.
The Growing Concern of Childhood Obesity
Recent statistics highlight the urgent need for intervention:
12.6% of children in reception (age 5) in Wales are classified as obese.
25.6% of children in year 6 (age 11) in England fall into the same category.
Children from the most deprived areas are disproportionately affected, with 1 in 3 experiencing obesity-related challenges.
This issue places immense strain on healthcare services, with projections showing that by 2050, the economic cost of obesity to the NHS in Wales will be substantial.
A New Approach: The Virtual Ward Weight Management Model
The traditional weight management service relies on face-to-face assessments and follow-ups, often requiring travel, missed school or work, and manual data collection. The Virtual Ward model shifts this process into the digital space, allowing for:
Remote monitoring using wearable devices like Fitbit watches.
Virtual engagement through a dedicated app connecting young people with healthcare professionals.
Behaviourally informed interventions based on real-time data insights.
Real Stories, Real Impact
The impact of this digital approach is already being felt by young people and their families:
"Being able to communicate virtually with a professional helped as I could get feedback and support without the inconvenience of setting up a meeting and going to the hospital in person. The professional could analyse my statistics and provide tailored support instantly over message, which definitely helped."
"Since using the Fitbit, I’m more motivated to reach my goals. I walk more, I sleep better, and I feel stronger."
Key Benefits of the Virtual Ward Model
This innovative system is proving to be more than just a digital alternative—it’s creating measurable improvements in healthcare delivery and outcomes.
For Young People and Families:
Encourages active participation in weight management.
Provides real-time feedback, keeping motivation high.
Reduces travel and appointment disruptions.
Supports goal-setting and long-term habit changes.
For Healthcare Professionals:
Saves time by automating data collection.
Enables earlier discharge by tracking progress remotely.
Reduces administrative burden and paperwork.
Frees up clinic space for those needing in-person care.
Clinical Outcomes & Measured Success
The pilot program demonstrated promising results:
90% of participants engaged for the full 13-week program.
86% reported that wearable tech and virtual support created a strong community around them.
100% saw improvements in their step count and reduction in sedentary time.
80% said virtual goal-setting encouraged family discussions about health.
Economic and Environmental Impact
Switching to a virtual model isn't just beneficial for patients—it also delivers cost savings and reduces environmental impact:
566% increase in service capacity, with virtual sessions enabling 20 contacts per session instead of just 3 face-to-face.
Lower costs for families, eliminating travel expenses.
Significantly reduced carbon footprint, with fewer hospital visits cutting transport emissions.
What’s Next? Scaling Up for Wales
With strong early success, the Virtual Ward approach is now set to expand:
Scaling from a 10-person prototype to a 200-patient pilot cohort.
Expanding into paediatric diabetes services and adult weight management.
Rolling out to three additional health boards in Wales.
Wrapping Up
This project demonstrates how digital innovation can create a more effective, scalable, and patient-friendly approach to childhood obesity management. By harnessing wearable technology and virtual care, Cardiff and Vale UHB is paving the way for a future where weight management is accessible, proactive, and personalised.
With potential national expansion, this initiative could shape how planned care is delivered across Wales—creating better outcomes for young people and making more efficient use of NHS resources.
