Thousands more people will also get access to the programme as its ‘life-changing success’ sees it being rolled out in 11 more regions across the country. Early data from the NHS programme shows participants on average lost 7.2kg after one month and 13.4kg (over two stone) after three months.
Helping people diagnosed with diabetes to lose weight, and make better decisions about their health through the NHS low calorie diet programme, enables them to better control their blood sugar levels. This reduces the need for diabetes-related medication and potentially achieving remission of their Type 2 diabetes when their levels return to a healthy range.
Professor Jonathan Valabhji, NHS national clinical director for diabetes and obesity, said: “The fantastic results our participants have achieved through this programme are really encouraging, and show that real-world experience is in line with what we have found in trials. We know this weight loss will go a long way to help people stay well and avoid preventable illness, and for many will also mean they can put Type 2 diabetes into remission.
“This is also the latest example of the NHS rapidly adopting the latest evidence-based treatments to help people with Type 2 diabetes live well. With research showing that obesity causes more severe illness from Covid-19, as well as other serious diseases, there has never been a more important time to lose weight.”
It is estimated that diabetes costs the NHS £10bn a year with treatment taking up one in 20 prescriptions written by GPs. Projections show that nearly 39,000 more people could suffer a heart attack in 2035 and over 50,000 could experience a stroke.
Karen Bradbury, who started the programme around a year ago, commented: “I feel so much healthier. I have lost 5 stone 3.5 lbs and my blood sugar levels have nearly halved – which meant I didn’t have to start medication! My energy levels have increased substantially, and I am now swimming three to four times a week and walking every day.”
The NHS low calorie diet programme has now been extended to a further 11 areas, including:
- North East and North Cumbria
- West Yorkshire
- Lancashire and South Cumbria
- Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
- Black Country
- Somerset
- Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
- Mid and South Essex
- South West London
- Kent and Medway
- Sussex