Over 2,000 people with Type 2 diabetes have now improved their health through the NHS Soups and Shakes diet programme – with participants losing an average of 13kg (over two stone) in three months.
From this month, the diet programme will be accessible in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) as NHS Soups and Shakes is rolled out across 11 more regions following the early and life-changing success.
In conjunction with the programme’s second wave rollout, 500 spaces are initially being made available for referrals in BNSSG over the next two years.
One Care have helped the mobilisation of this low-calorie diet pilot in BNSSG by supporting the planning of the project, communications, practice engagement and creating EMIS resources. This improves the process for practices identifying and contacting eligible patients to see if they would be interested in engaging with the programme.
One Care’s Project Manager Bex Tilling said: “This pilot has seen excellent results in other parts of the country so it’s really exciting to help practices offer this life changing programme to patients in BNSSG.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the programme grow and to be involved in such an exciting and worthwhile project has been really enjoyable.”
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.
Early data from the NHS programme shows participants losing on average 7.2kg (over one stone) after one month, and 13.4kg (over two stone) after three months.
New data shows people on the programme who are eating and drinking the low calorie alternatives not only lose weight but keep it off over time. These real-world findings are a significant step forward and come after trials showed that around half of people who had similar weight loss were able to achieve remission of their Type 2 diabetes after one year.
Diabetes is estimated to cost the NHS £10 billion a year, with treatment making up one in 20 prescriptions written by GPs. Projections also show that with the number of people being treated for diabetes continuing to grow – nearly 39,000 more people could suffer a heart attack in 2035, and over 50,000 could experience a stroke.
The year-long programme, which is fully supported and monitored by expert clinicians and coaches throughout, kickstarts weight loss through low calorie, diet replacement products such as shakes and soups for the first three months. After this, a carefully managed plan reintroduces healthy, nutritious food and participants can track their progress through virtual one-to-ones, group sessions and digital support – to help them maintain a healthier weight.
The NHS low calorie diet programme may be suitable for some adults aged 18-65 years, diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in the last six years and living with overweight or obesity who also meet other eligibility criteria.
If your PCN or practice would like more information on the programme or be able to refer patients to the low-calorie diet, please contact bnssg.lowcaloriedietpilot@nhs.net.