- NICE says people stopping obesity jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro should get at least a year of follow-up to help prevent regaining weight
- Evidence shows most patients regain much of the weight lost when they stop treatment
- Long-term habits, self-monitoring, and support from communities and local activities are essential
New NHS guidance warns that people coming off weight-loss medications such as Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) should have regular check-ups for at least 12 months to help prevent regaining the weight they have lost.
NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) says weight management is a long-term journey, not a quick fix. Evidence shows many people regain most of their lost weight once treatment ends.
The guidance calls for structured support plans, including healthy eating, regular physical activity, and self-monitoring tools, as well as engagement with online communities, family-led support, and local activities.
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Currently, an estimated 1.5 million people in the UK are using weight loss jabs, though most pay privately and will not qualify for NHS follow-up support. Wegovy is prescribed on the NHS for up to two years to those with a high BMI and weight-related health problems, while Mounjaro has no set time limit but will be available to around 240,000 people over the next three years.
Clinical trial data highlights the challenge: in a Wegovy study, patients regained about two-thirds of their lost weight after stopping injections.
Mounjaro users see similar patterns.
NICE’s Prof Jonathan Benger stressed: “Successful weight management doesn’t end when medication stops. The transition period after treatment is crucial.”
The Royal College of GPs’ Prof Kamila Hawthorn added that obesity support must be personalised and prevention must remain a focus to avoid the need for medication in the first place.
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Charlotte Summers, Chief Operations Officer at Gro Health, said: “Our data demonstrates similar progress so our weight management service has been designed to support people before, during, and after medication and if they decide to come off it. We help them build sustainable habits, monitor progress, and access the right community and clinical support so the positive changes last for life.”
Obesity affects 1 in 4 adults in England and increases the risk of serious health issues such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
