Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

NHS expands 'soup and shake' diet plan to fight diabetes

The programme will now be available in 42 local health areas

NHS expands 'soup and shake' diet plan to fight diabetes

OVER 10,000 more people living with type 2 diabetes and obesity in England, many of whom are of Indian and south Asian heritage, will be offered the NHS's “soup and shake” diet plan to aid weight loss.

The radical NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme is being expanded as part of a new plan to double its capacity this year. The programme will now be available in 42 local health areas, up from 21 last year, ensuring eligible patients can access it across England.


“The expansion of this transformative programme is another example of the NHS leading the way internationally by providing evidence-based treatments and support to empower people with type 2 diabetes,” said NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard.

“Developing type 2 diabetes can have a devastating impact, and this NHS programme can be life-changing in reversing its effects, reducing the risk of significant health complications, and supporting long-term wellbeing.”

The programme is offered to individuals who meet specific criteria, including being aged 18-65 years, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within the last six years, and having a high body mass index (BMI). Patients of Indian and south Asian heritage are considered at higher risk in this regard.

Thousands have already benefited from the 12-month soup and shake diet, which kickstarts weight loss by providing low-calorie, nutritionally complete meal replacement products for the first 12 weeks.

Participants are then supported by clinicians and coaches to reintroduce healthy, nutritious food into their diet to maintain weight loss, with their progress monitored.

During the programme, participants can choose between one-to-one in-person sessions or digital support online with the NHS. Analysis shows the programme is effective, with participants typically losing 7.2kg on average after one month and 13kg after three months, similar to clinical trial outcomes. This suggests the programme could lead to type 2 diabetes remission in up to half of those who complete it.

“Weight loss can lead to significant health benefits, including for some, remission of type 2 diabetes, and it's important the NHS offers accessible services tailored to managing this condition,” said NHS national clinical director for diabetes and obesity Dr Clare Hambling.

“Remission from type 2 diabetes can transform health and wellbeing and potentially reduce the risk of serious long-term complications,” added Colette Marshall, chief executive of the charity, Diabetes UK.

The Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme is a joint initiative between NHS England and Diabetes UK, based on two large studies showing that overweight people with type 2 diabetes can improve their diabetes control, reduce diabetes-related medication, and, in some cases, achieve remission through specially designed programmes.

(PTI)

More For You

Andrew Tate Sued by Ex-Girlfriend Brianna Stern Over Sexual Assault Allegations

Tate’s attorney, Joseph McBride, has dismissed the lawsuit

Getty

Andrew Tate faces sexual assault lawsuit from ex-girlfriend Brianna Stern

Social media personality Andrew Tate is facing a new lawsuit from his ex-girlfriend, Brianna Stern, who has accused him of sexual assault, battery, and gender violence. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, details allegations of abuse and an incident that allegedly took place at The Beverly Hills Hotel on 11 March 2025.

Allegations in the lawsuit

According to the legal complaint, Stern claims that Tate initially appeared as a "dream come true" but later became emotionally and physically abusive. The lawsuit describes a violent encounter at the hotel, where she alleges Tate physically assaulted and threatened her.

Keep ReadingShow less
Voices of Faith 2025: A journey through spirituality and wisdom

Soumik Datta (R) and Gurdain Singh Rayatt

Voices of Faith 2025: A journey through spirituality and wisdom

Mahesh Liloriya

The inaugural edition of Voices of Faith commenced on Friday at the iconic Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, marking the beginning of an extraordinary three-day festival exploring theological philosophies, interfaith dialogues, and the deeper essence of spirituality through conversations, music, and healing vibes.

Organised by Teamwork Arts, the creators of the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) and JLF London, Voices of Faith is presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust, with the support of Tech Mahindra. Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat serve as the official media partners of this landmark event. This unique festival seeks to offer insights into navigating the complexities of modern life through the timeless wisdom enshrined in global religious traditions. It focuses on the universal ideals of compassion and interconnectedness that underpin the world’s faiths, fostering dialogue that transcends barriers and deepens mutual understanding.

Keep ReadingShow less
Court reopens Asian child sex offender's deportation case

Home Office successfully challenged a ruling that allowed him to remain in Britain (Photo for representation: iStock)

Court reopens Asian child sex offender's deportation case

A PAKISTANI man convicted of sexually assaulting a child under 13 will face a fresh deportation hearing after the Home Office successfully challenged a ruling that allowed him to remain in Britain, reported The Times.

The offender, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had initially won his case to stay in the UK after claiming he would face "inhuman or degrading treatment" if sent back to Pakistan due to his alcoholism.

Keep ReadingShow less
India launches Operation Brahma to aid quake-hit Myanmar

Rescue teams work to save residents trapped under the rubble of the destroyed Sky Villa Condominium development in Mandalay on March 29, 2025. (Photo by SAI AUNG MAIN/AFP via Getty Images)

India launches Operation Brahma to aid quake-hit Myanmar

INDIA has swiftly responded to the devastating earthquake in Myanmar by launching Operation Brahma, sending emergency relief and rescue teams to the disaster-stricken nation.

A C-130J military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force landed in Yangon on Saturday (29), carrying 15 tonnes of relief supplies including hygiene kits, blankets and food parcels. The aid mission comes after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday (28), killing more than 1,000 people and injuring nearly 2,400 others.

Keep ReadingShow less
Britain’s happiness crisis: UK hits record low in global wellbeing rankings

Pakistan stands at 109th place out of 147 countries

Britain’s happiness crisis: UK hits record low in global wellbeing rankings

THE UK has experienced a significant blow to its national morale, plummeting to 23rd place in the World Happiness Report for 2025 – its lowest ranking ever – despite being the world’s sixth richest nation.

Released to mark the UN’s International Day of Happiness last Thursday (20), the report provided a nuanced exploration of national contentment that extends far beyond economic measurements.

Keep ReadingShow less