SOUP and shakes will be prescribed by the NHS as part an updated diet plan that helps patients with diabetes.
Average patients lost two stone during clinical trials. The plan also limits daily intake to just 850 calories. This goal is to help 500 Type 2 diabetics beat the disease each week.
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After extensive clinical trials, the scheme could be implemented nationally within the next year.
It helped the 2,000 test patients lose on average 2 stone, and almost half of them reversed diabetes.
Professor Jonathan Valbhji of the NHS, who is also the chief on diabetes, and obesity, stated that they have seen amazing early results from the NHS Low-Calorie Diet Programme. They plan to expand the program nationwide, so that thousands can lose weight and improve their overall 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.”
He said that the weight loss achieved after the trials was maintained for six months.
The diet involves patients receiving sachets containing powder to be added to water for making soups and shakes over the course of three months.
Doctors and coaches support them before encouraging them to eat healthier after losing weight.
The new scheme will see GPs refer patients to the diet and provide support throughout.
Faraza Anderson, a community worker, took part in the diet program after she took the most unflattering picture following a large meal.
Faraza, 43 years old, said to the Daily Mail that the photo he had saved on his phone was one he would normally delete right away.
“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.”
After falling into poor eating habits during her recovery from spinal surgery she developed diabetes.
She is now in remission from diabetes after six months of being at her lowest weight, 12st 4lb.
Professor Roy Taylor was the leader of one of these trials. “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 is linked to obesity, high blood pressure, and heart problems.
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