In a groundbreaking development, tens of thousands more people in England living with type 2 diabetes could soon have access to an 800-calorie-a-day „soup and shake“ diet. Research has shown that almost one in three participants in the NHS scheme permanently eradicated their disease, prompting NHS leaders to consider expanding the program.
The diet involves providing patients with low-calorie meal replacement products such as soups, milkshakes, and snack bars for three months. This triggers rapid weight loss before individuals are supported in reintroducing normal food into their diet. Currently, 10,000 people a year can access the scheme, but the remarkable results have sparked discussions about widening its reach.
Some participants in the program have experienced significant weight loss, with some losing as much as 17.4kg (38lbs). Nearly a third of individuals were able to put their type 2 diabetes into remission, as reported in the Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology journal.
The year-long program aims to kickstart individuals‘ weight loss journey with the low-calorie „meal replacement“ diet for the first 12 weeks. After this initial phase, participants are encouraged to reintroduce healthy foods and receive tailored support to maintain their weight loss.
NHS England has highlighted the potential benefits of expanding the program based on the positive outcomes observed in the study. Data from 1,740 participants who started the diet before January 2022 revealed that 32% achieved remission of their condition, with an average weight loss of 15.9kg (35lbs).
Dr. Clare Hambling, NHS England’s national clinical director for diabetes and obesity, emphasized the significant impact of the program on participants‘ lives. She highlighted the life-changing benefits, including major weight loss and type 2 diabetes remission, seen in many individuals who completed the program.
Diabetes UK, a charity that has funded research in this area for over a decade, expressed pride in the progress made in supporting individuals with type 2 diabetes. Dr. Elizabeth Robertson, the director of research at Diabetes UK, emphasized the importance of support in the weight loss and remission journey for those living with type 2 diabetes.
Since its launch in 2020, over 25,000 people have participated in the scheme. In a recent announcement, NHS officials revealed plans to offer the diet to 50,000 people across five years, doubling the program’s capacity. A significant investment of £13m has been made this year to ensure more individuals can benefit from the program.
Adults aged 18 to 65 who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the last six years and have a body mass index score above a certain threshold are eligible to enroll in the program. Referrals are typically made by GP practices, ensuring that those who could benefit from the scheme are identified and supported in their journey towards better health.