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Healthcare providers will be expected to monitor people for at least a year after they come off obesity medication, according to new guidance from NICE.

It comes as new weight loss drugs like semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) become available on the NHS to specific groups of patients. Around 240,000 people are expected to be offered tirzepatide over the next three years.

In an updated quality standard (QS212), NICE also says healthcare services should offer structured advice and follow-up support for people after they complete weight management treatment.

Research shows that many people regain weight after stopping treatment if they don’t get the right help. This can negatively affect both their physical and mental health, says NICE.

To close this gap, the new standard sets out “clear expectations” for healthcare providers. These include offering ongoing advice and tailored action plans - covering everything from regular check-ins and practical strategies to support with sustainable routines, social support and accessing community help.

Professor Jonathan Benger, deputy chief executive and chief medical officer at NICE, 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.”

The updated Quality Standard 212 replaces three previous standards and reflects the most up-to-date thinking on how to tackle overweight and obesity through the health system.

As well as emphasising continuity of care, the quality standard highlights the importance of helping people build long-term behavioural habits, use self-monitoring tools, and draw on wider support - from online communities to family-led interventions and local activities.

The scale of the challenge is clear, says NICE. In England, 29 per cent of adults are living with obesity, and 64 per cent are classified as overweight or obese. Obesity is known to increase the risk of a number of serious conditions and its rising prevalence places growing pressure on the NHS and the wider economy.

Estimates suggest obesity costs the NHS £11.4 billion a year, says NICE with a wider economic impact of £74.3 billion due to lost productivity, unemployment and increased demand for social care.

Healthcare providers and commissioners are expected to begin rolling out the standard immediately. The full quality standard provides detailed implementation advice for services across England and Wales.