A weight loss plan specifically targeted to those who have type 2 diabetes, Dr Hana Patel shared her insider knowledge on the shake and soup diet.
“Participants lose, on average, 13 kg (over two stone) in three months,” said Dr Patel.
The NHS programme for diabetics helps people to have better control of their blood sugar levels, reducing the need for diabetes-related medication.
Those eligible can be enrolled on a low-calorie diet to help them achieve remission.
Participants are given soups and shakes that provide around 800 calories daily, in addition to behavioural coaching to increase exercise levels.
Diabetes UK says there are government plans to roll-out the plan to more people across England by March 2024.
Current data from the NHS programme has shown that people tend to lose an average of 11kg over 12 months.
Chris Askew OBE, Chief Executive at Diabetes UK, said: “The expansion of this programme will offer even more people with type 2 diabetes a better chance of a healthier future.”
How does the shake and soup diet work?
Participants are given low-calorie meal replacement products (soups and shakes) for up to 12 weeks.
Then, with the help of a professional, they are reintroduced to healthy, solid foods.
Who is eligible?
Certain criteria needs to be met in order to be enrolled on the NHS weight loss programme.
Criteria:
- Aged 18 to 65 years
- Have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within the last six years.
- Body mass index of at least 27kg
- Blood glucose at 43-87 mmol/mol within the past 12 months, if not on medication.
Eligible people will be referred to the programme by their GPs and monitored by them throughout.
Professor Jonathan Valabhji, NHS National Clinical Director for Diabetes and Obesity said: “This programme is also the latest example of the NHS effectively deploying evidence-based treatments to help people with type 2 diabetes live well.
“Obesity is a significant factor and cause of several serious diseases, so the NHS is always here to help people to lose weight when necessary, and live healthier lives.”
If you are not eligible for the NHS weight loss programme, you can still talk to your doctor about wanting help to lose weight.
Two of the key pillars for losing weight include exercising more and consuming less calories.