In a groundbreaking initiative, the National Health Service in the UK has introduced a soup and shake diet aimed at reversing type 2 diabetes. This program allows participants to consume only 900 calories a day through specially formulated soups, shakes, and meal-replacement bars. The aim is to help individuals regain control of their health by significantly reducing their weight and managing their diabetes more effectively.
Recent findings published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal reveal that hundreds of individuals have successfully completed this year-long program. Among those who participated, about one-third lost nearly two-and-a-half stone (approximately 16 kg) and achieved remission from their diabetes. The program is available to eligible individuals across England and is fully funded by the NHS, ensuring that participants incur no personal costs.
To qualify for the program, individuals must be between 18 and 65 years old, have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within the last six years, and have a body mass index over 27 kg/m² for white ethnic groups or over 25 kg/m² for those from black, Asian, and other ethnic backgrounds. Participants receive personalized diet and exercise advice, either in person or online, along with ongoing support from their general practitioners.
Marie Laing, a participant from Frome in Somerset, shared her experience, stating she lost over three stone while on the NHS diet. Laing emphasized that the program was not just a diet but a comprehensive lifestyle change. She learned about her body, how food affects her, and the importance of exercise. Laing expressed gratitude for the opportunity, highlighting how it improved her overall quality of life and allowed her to engage more actively with her family.
Another participant, Juliet, echoed similar sentiments, noting that she expected to feel hungry during the total diet replacement phase but was pleasantly surprised by the taste and satisfaction provided by the soups and shakes. Her favorites included red Thai soup and shepherd’s pie, showcasing the program's focus on not just nutrition but also enjoyment of food.
Experts like Dr. Clare Hambling, the NHS national clinical director for diabetes and obesity, have praised the program's outcomes. Dr. Hambling acknowledged that obesity poses a significant threat to public health and emphasized the importance of tackling it directly. The potential health benefits of losing weight are substantial, especially for those living with type 2 diabetes, as unmanaged diabetes can lead to severe complications affecting the eyes, nerves, and overall health.
While the program shows promise, questions remain about the long-term sustainability of weight loss and the duration of diabetes remission. Dr. Nerys Astbury, an associate professor of diet and obesity at the University of Oxford, pointed out that further research is needed to understand the lasting effects of such dietary changes. Nevertheless, the current results indicate that losing weight can have profound health benefits across various demographics, particularly for those with type 2 diabetes.
Overall, the NHS soup and shake diet represents a hopeful avenue for many struggling with type 2 diabetes. By offering a structured, supportive approach to weight loss and health management, the program aims to empower individuals to reclaim their health and improve their quality of life.
