According to NHS England, a cumulative weight equivalent to that of 43 ambulances has been lost using the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.
The statistics indicate that 89,604 individuals have finished the programme as of now and lost a combined weight of 185,051 kg, making it the first of its kind in the world to have achieved a full national roll-out.
About two-thirds of adults and one-third of children in the UK are overweight or obese, which is consequently propelling the rates of type 2 diabetes.
The programme lasting nine to 12 months is designed to arrest or delay the onset of diabetes through various personalised lifestyle interventions, such as:
- Education on lifestyle choices;
- Advice on weight reduction through healthier food habits; and
- Bespoke physical activity programmes.
Helen Dickens, Assistant Director of Policy and Campaigns at Diabetes UK, said: "The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, however, is so much more than just a weight loss programme. It has helped thousands of people find out more about their risk of type 2 diabetes as well as take action to reduce it.”
