Fat-busting diet plan that will help beat diabetes to be prescribed on NHS – with average patients ditching two stone
SOUP and shakes are set to be prescribed on the NHS as part of a new diet plan to help patients beat diabetes.
The new plan saw average patients drop two stone in clinical trials and limits daily intake to 850 calories, with the aim of helping 500 Type 2 diabetics kick the disease every week.
The scheme is reportedly set to roll-out nationally as early as next year after extensive clinical trials.
The stunning results showed that it helped the 2,000 trial patients lose an average of two stone and saw almost half of them reverse their diabetes.
Professor Jonathan Valbhji, the NHS' chief on diabetes and obesity, said: "We have seen fantastic early results from the NHS low-calorie diet programme and are now planning to expand the offer nationwide, to give thousands more the chance to shed the pounds and improve their health.
"Rolling out low-calorie diets on the NHS may help many more people to turn the tide on type 2 diabetes and potentially slash their risk of serious health implications."
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He added that weight loss was found to be maintained six months after the trials.
The diet includes patients being given sachets of powder to add to water in order to make shakes and soups over three months.
They are also supported by doctors and coaches before being encouraged towards healthier eating after the initial diet to keep the weight off.
Under the new scheme, GPs will refer patients to the diet and support them throughout.
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Community worker Faraza Anderson took part in the diet plan after taking the most unflattering photo she could following a large meal.
Faraza, 43, from Birmingham, told the Daily Mail: "The photo I saved in my phone was one I would normally delete immediately.
"But it inspired me because I would have done absolutely anything to reverse my type 2 diabetes and avoid having to take medication for a serious condition."
She had developed diabetes after falling into unhealthy eating habits while recovering from spinal surgery.
After six months she had gone from 12st 4lb to 10st and is in remission for diabetes.
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Professor Roy Taylor, who lead one of the trials, said: "This represents a potentially huge opportunity for people who find themselves with type 2 diabetes and could change their lives at the same time as reducing the strain on the NHS."
Diabetes has been linked to obesity and a number of health issues, including high blood pressure and heart problems.
