New NHS fat jab guidance issued as top doctor says it's 'crucial'
Thousands of people across the UK using weight loss medication have been warned that they are risk of regaining their lost pounds unless steps are taken. Successfully managing weight after a course of the popular fat jabs does not end with the completion of the medication, according to experts.
In new guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence anyone completing obesity medication or weight management programmes should be offered structured, long-term support to help maintain weight loss and improve overall health. The new quality standard, published on Tuesday, says healthcare providers should offer ongoing advice, tailored action plans, and regular follow-up for patients after treatment.
This includes access to tools such as the NHS Better Health platform, support from dietitians or nutritionists, and community-based peer groups like walking clubs or fitness sessions. Research shows that without this, many will put back on weight, which can negatively impact both physical and mental health.
The updated standard replaces three previous guidelines and reflects the latest thinking on tackling obesity through the health system. It comes as new weight loss drugs such as semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) become available on the NHS for those with the greatest need.
Around 240,000 people are expected to be offered tirzepatide over the next three years. Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Medical Officer at NICE, Professor Jonathan Benger, said: 'Successful weight management doesn't end when medication stops or when someone completes a behavioural programme.
'We know that the transition period after treatment is crucial, and people need structured support to maintain the positive changes they've made. This new standard makes sure services provide that vital continuity of care, and it supports the NHS 10 Year Plan to shift from a 'sickness service' to a genuine health service focused on prevention.'
More than 1.5million people in are thought to be taking weight loss injections across Britain. However most get their drugs through private prescriptions where there is often little support with changing behaviours such as diet and exercise.
Some studies have shown people start putting weight back on within two months of stopping the jabs. Researchers from Peking University People's Hospital in China carried out a review of 11 studies covering more than 2,000 slimmers.
They discovered most kept their weight off for at least four weeks after stopping, but started putting it back on by the eight-week mark. In a separate study by Oxford University it was found many people regained all their weight within two years.
Healthcare teams are now expected to monitor patients for at least a year after treatment and offer additional support if needed. This could include practical advice on daily habits, home and workplace adjustments, and access to digital self-monitoring tools.
In England, 29% of adults live with obesity, and 64% are overweight or obese. Obesity increases the risk of serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and musculoskeletal problems. The cost to the NHS is estimated at £11.4 billion annually, with a wider economic impact of £74.3 billion.
Dr Rebecca Payne, Chair of NICE's Quality Standards Advisory Committee said: "Weight management is a long-term journey, not a short-term fix. The evidence is clear that advice and support for maintaining weight after stopping medicines or completing behavioural interventions can help prevent weight regain and enable people to experience lasting benefits.
'We've seen excellent examples of services that already provide comprehensive discharge planning and ongoing support. This quality standard will help ensure all healthcare providers adopt these best practices, giving every person the best chance of maintaining their weight management success over the long term.
'This standard ensures healthcare services are equipped to provide that essential ongoing support." Healthcare providers and commissioners are expected to begin implementing the standard immediately. Full guidance is available on the NICE website.
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