Health authorities have issued new guidance to tackle a growing concern: the risk of patients regaining weight after stopping weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has introduced a new “quality standard” for health services, urging structured support for individuals coming off these medications, particularly those treated under the NHS. Without proper follow-up, research shows many patients quickly regain lost weight.
Professor Jonathan Benger of Nice stressed that weight management doesn’t end when treatment does, highlighting the importance of long-term behavioural support, monitoring, and access to community or family-based resources. NHS patients should be monitored for at least a year post-treatment.
This updated guidance comes amid the rapid rise in popularity of weight-loss injections in the UK—with around 1.5 million users, most paying privately and outside the scope of NHS support. Over the next three years, only 240,000 of those with the “greatest need” are expected to receive drugs like Mounjaro through the NHS.
Health leaders say these standards aim to ensure continuity of care and align with the NHS 10-Year Plan, focusing on prevention over treatment.
Dr Rebecca Payne, leading the advisory committee, added: “Weight management is a journey, not a short-term fix.” The standard encourages all healthcare providers to adopt discharge planning and long-term support, giving patients the best chance of sustaining their weight loss.
The move has been welcomed by health professionals, including pharmacy leaders and GPs, who note that while weight-loss drugs may be effective tools, they’re no substitute for lasting lifestyle changes and support.
