Continued Guidance Encouraged for Patients Post-Obesity Surgeries
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK has issued new guidelines on weight management after obesity medications, highlighting the importance of long-term strategies and ongoing support for individuals who have stopped using weight loss treatments like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide).
According to NICE, successful weight management doesn't end when medication stops or when someone completes a behavioural programme. Instead, it requires structured, ongoing support for weight management to help maintain weight loss long-term.
Key strategies include offering tailored action plans and practical advice to help individuals sustain new habits, with regular follow-ups and check-ins for at least one year after treatment ends. Supporting patients with behavioural and lifestyle changes, such as developing sustainable daily routines, self-monitoring tools, and adaptations in home or work environments to prevent relapse, is also crucial.
Providing access to community and social support, including peer groups and online platforms like the NHS Better Health program, is another essential aspect of the new guidelines. Collaboration with healthcare professionals such as dietitians or nutritionists to personalize maintenance strategies and respond to ongoing needs is also emphasized.
The guidelines stress that medications are not a "silver bullet" and must be combined with long-term lifestyle modifications and support systems to prevent weight regain and promote overall physical and mental health.
In England, approximately one in four adults is classified as obese, and approximately 1.5 million people in the UK are currently using weight loss injections, with a significant number paying for these treatments privately, thus ineligible for NHS support post-treatment.
Wegovy (semaglutide) is accessible on the NHS but is prescribed primarily to individuals with serious health challenges associated with obesity and a high body mass index (BMI) for a maximum of two years. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is anticipated to be prescribed to around 240,000 individuals over the next three years, without a set time limit for use.
Clinical trials have shown that patients often regain approximately two-thirds of their lost weight after discontinuing semaglutide, which is a common trend for those on tirzepatide as well. Developing a comprehensive approach to managing obesity is crucial, as it significantly affects daily life and increases risks for serious health conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
The new recommendations encourage patients to foster long-lasting behavioural changes, utilize self-monitoring techniques, and seek assistance from various resources such as community groups and family-led initiatives. A well-defined management plan should be developed for long-term success.
Health experts like Professor Kamila Hawthorn from the Royal College of GPs have called for a greater emphasis on prevention to thwart the onset of obesity before it necessitates medical interventions. Regular physical activity, such as gym workouts or walking, is recommended for sustaining a healthier weight in the long term.
In conclusion, the new guidelines issued by NICE emphasize the importance of adopting healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and ongoing support for long-term weight management. By working together, individuals, healthcare professionals, and communities can help combat the growing issue of obesity in the UK.
Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining weight loss long-term, as recommended by NICE. A personalized maintenance strategy, often involving collaboration with dietitians or nutritionists, is crucial for addressing ongoing needs.
In addition to regular exercise and fitness activities, health-and-wellness practices like self-monitoring tools and adaptations in home or work environments can help individuals sustain new habits and prevent relapse in their weight management journey.
