Diabetes: Thousands can get free NHS Soup and Shake diet plan that shifts 2st in 3 months and ‘reverses disease’
THOUSANDS of Brits can get free soups and shakes from today on an NHS diet that has helped people 'reverse' their diabetes.
The programme was first rolled out in September 2020 with seven NHS trusts signed up for the soups and shakes.
Early data from the programme released today shows that participants each lose 7.2kg (over one stone) on average after one month, and 13.4kg (over two stone) after three months.
From today even more people will get access to the programme, as it's rolled out to 11 more areas.
The programme has successfully helped people with diabetes lose weight and make better decisions when it comes to their health.
The low calorie programme aims to help diabetics control their blood sugar levels.
This in turn helps to reduce the need for diabetes-related medication and can potentially help some patients reverse their type 2 diabetes when their levels return to a healthy range.
Data from the programme also shows that those on the programme are managing to keep the weight off over time.
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Diabetes, and issues related to the condition cost the NHS around £10 billion a year, with treatments making up one in 20 prescriptions.
Projections show that more people are set to be diagnosed with diabetes, with an additional 39,000 set to be treated for the condition.
The NHS says that more people could suffer a heart attack in 2035, and over 50,000 could experience a stroke.
People who take part in the year long programme will be fully supported and monitored by expert clinicians and coaches.
Their weight loss will be kickstarted through a low calorie diet and replacements such as shakes and soups for the first three months.
After the initial three month programme, nutritious and healthy foods are reintroduced, with participants tracking their progress through virtual one-on-one sessions and digital support to help them maintain their weight loss.
Professor Jonathan Valabhji, NHS national clinical director for diabetes and obesity said the results achieved by patients are 'really encouraging'.
CAN I GET SOUPS AND SHAKES ON THE NHS?
Initially the programme had been rolled out in the below areas:
- North East and Yorkshire: South Yorkshire & Bassetlaw ICS and Humber Coast & Vale
- North West: Greater Manchester Health & Social Care Partnership
- South East: Frimley Health and Care STP
- South West: Gloucestershire STP
- Midlands (West and East): Derbyshire and Birmingham and Solihull STP
- East of England: Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK)
- London: North East London and North Central London
The programme has now been extended to include 11 more areas:
- North East & North Cumbria,
- West Yorkshire,
- Lancashire & South Cumbria,
- Nottingham & Nottinghamshire,
- Black Country,
- Somerset,
- Bristol, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire,
- Mid & South Essex,
- South West London,
- Kent & Medway,
- and Sussex.
He added: "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.”
Chris Askew OBE, Chief Executive at Diabetes UK said that remission can be 'life-changing' for people with diabetes.
"Today’s announcement means that many more people across England who are living with Type 2 diabetes and overweight will have the chance to get the support they need to go into remission.
“Diabetes UK is also committed to funding research to find other effective ways to put Type 2 into remission, ensuring more people have the chance to go into remission in a way that works best for them.”
The NHS has previously upped their health and weight loss offering free cinema tickets and shopping vouchers to those who could prove they live a healthy lifestyle.
Anyone living in Wolverhampton will be able to collect points for exercising and healthy eating after the Government chose the West Midlands city for its new healthy living pilot.
WEIGHT LOSS CAMPS
Earlier this month it also debuted free weight loss camps at local pharmacies.
People who need to slim down can sign up for the NHS’s official 12-week programme when they are shopping in town.
The scheme gives online or in-app weight loss advice for obese people with diabetes or high blood pressure and was previously only available through GPs.
One in four adults in England are seriously overweight and at higher risk of dying of Covid, cancer or a heart attack.
Obesity is linked to a reduction in life expectancy and is a risk factor for lots of chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cancers and mental health issues.
Ads for junk food that have high fat, salt and sugar content will be restricted from April 2022.
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TV adverts for unhealthy foods will be banned before 9pm, with a total ban online.
An extra £100 million funding is set to go into the Healthy Weight Strategy launched in 2020 - which supports families and kids to maintain a better weight.