Responding to a report by the University of Oxford into the long-term effectiveness of weight loss treatments, Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association said:
"Obesity is the single biggest health challenge facing us as a country.
"Although weight loss treatment can help some people to achieve a healthy weight who may have struggled in the past by simply making lifestyle changes, patients should understand it is not a silver bullet.
"As this study shows, without sustained lifestyle changes, weight loss and the subsequent health benefits will not be sustained.
"It's really important patients who are using this treatment are given full wrap around support by their pharmacy to make the long term changes to diet and exercise they need to maintain a healthy weight."
