NHS issues reminder to Britons using weight loss drugs

The NHS has issued a reminder to people across the UK using prescription weight loss medications, stressing that the treatments must be combined with dietary changes and physical activity to be effective in the long term.

In a post shared on social media platform X, the health service warned that weight loss drugs are “not a magic cure”, despite growing public interest in medications such as GLP-1 inhibitors. These treatments, which are available on the NHS for some people who meet strict eligibility criteria, are designed to support weight management by reducing appetite and helping them feel fuller for longer.

The NHS said that while the medications can play an important role in tackling obesity, they should be viewed as one part of a wider approach rather than a standalone solution.

“Weight loss medications are tools to help manage weight, but not a magic cure,” the NHS said. “They’re most effective when combined with advice and support to make changes to your lifestyle.”

GLP-1 inhibitor medications work by suppressing appetite and slowing the time it takes for the stomach to empty. This can lead to a reduction in calorie intake and, for many people, meaningful weight loss. However, health officials have repeatedly emphasised that obesity is a complex, chronic condition influenced by diet, physical activity, environment and wider social factors.

In its latest reminder, the NHS underlined that medications are safe when prescribed and monitored by clinicians, but warned that long-term success depends on behaviour change. “These medications are safe when used under clinical supervision, but to achieve and maintain weight loss, focusing on nutrition and physical activity are just as important,” the post said.

The health service highlighted two key lifestyle habits that people taking weight loss drugs should prioritise. The first is following a calorie-reduced, high-protein diet. Protein plays a vital role in preserving muscle mass during weight loss and can also help people feel fuller for longer, supporting the appetite-suppressing effects of the medication.

The second recommendation is strength-building exercise. While aerobic activity is often associated with weight loss, strength training is increasingly recognised as essential, particularly for people losing weight rapidly. Maintaining muscle mass helps support metabolism, mobility and overall health and may reduce the risk of regaining weight once medication is stopped.

The reminder comes amid rising demand for weight loss medications in the UK, as obesity rates remain high. Obesity is a major risk factor for conditions including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers, placing significant pressure on NHS services.

Experts have welcomed the NHS’s message, noting that public discussion around weight loss injections can sometimes oversimplify the realities of obesity treatment. Clinicians have warned that without sustained changes to diet and physical activity, people may struggle to maintain weight loss over time.