Support needed after weight-loss jabs, experts warn

People coming off powerful weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro should receive at least a year of follow-up care to prevent regaining the weight they’ve lost, new NHS guidance recommends.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has warned that many people quickly put weight back on after stopping the medication, unless they receive structured support.

Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are appetite-suppressing injections that can lead to significant weight loss when combined with healthy eating and exercise. However, clinical trials show that people often regain much of the weight after stopping treatment, with Wegovy users regaining around two-thirds of their lost weight.

Around 1.5 million people in the UK are currently taking these drugs, mostly through private prescriptions. On the NHS, access is restricted to those with serious weight-related health issues. Wegovy is limited to two years of use, while Mounjaro has no fixed time limit.

NICE says people should be helped to develop long-term habits, including self-monitoring tools, behavioural support and involvement in family or community activities.

Professor Jonathan Benger, Chief Medical Officer at NICE, said: “Weight management doesn’t end when medication stops. The transition period is crucial and people need continued support to maintain the progress they’ve made.”

Obesity affects one in four adults in England and raises the risk of conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. Without long-term support, experts warn, many will struggle to sustain the benefits of these breakthrough treatments.