NICE has set its expectations for healthcare providers in England and Wales to provide ongoing support for people after they complete weight management treatment. The guidance is contained in its updated Overweight and obesity management quality standard (QS212).
Approximately one in three people in the UK live with obesity. As a leading cause of long-term conditions, the Government estimates that it costs the NHS £11.4 bn annually, with wider societal costs estimated to be £74.3 bn annually.
Obesity management is rapidly evolving, with weight-loss drugs, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, increasingly becoming available on the NHS to those with the greatest need. Approximately 240,000 people are expected to be offered tirzepatide over the next three years. Research shows, however, that many will regain weight after stopping treatment, if they do not receive the right help.
The guidance highlights continuity of care, the importance of helping people build long-term behavioural habits, the use of self-monitoring tools and drawing on wider support. Healthcare teams should offer people follow-up support for at least a year after completion of a weight-management programme or coming off medication.
This support should include providing ongoing advice and tailored action plans, which could cover regular check-ins and practical strategies to support sustainable routines, social support and accessing community help. This might include online access to the NHS Better Health platform, working with a healthcare professional (such as a dietitian or nutritionist) to produce an action plan that can easily be put into practice if changes are not being maintained, and signposting to local peer support (such as keep-fit or walking groups).
Healthcare providers and commissioners are expected to begin rolling out the standard immediately. Organisations are encouraged to use the resource impact guidance supplied by NICE alongside the standard.
You can access the full quality standard here.
