BMI

The BMI of patients who have completed online questionnaires or sent photos must be verified through in-person or video consultations, and checked with information from their GP or medical records.

"I need to be a BMI of 30 and I'm very open that I need to lose 9kg," Lucy says.

Last year, in a paper doctors belonging to the Indian Obesity Commission redefined obesity guidelines for Asian Indians, moving beyond BMI to better reflect how body fat relates to early health risks.

In phase one, they may only be prescribed to patients who have a BMI over 38 and at least one pre-existing weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure.

Their BMI will have to be verified via in-person or video consultations, along with information from GP or medical records.