NHS-backed way to lose almost 9lbs in 12 weeks (and no, it doesn’t include a diet of soups and shakes!)
In a world of Wegovy and other fat sticks, it’s easy to forget about traditional weight loss methods.
But diet and exercise really do work, according to the results of an NHS weight loss programme.
A study shows that the online tool used by thousands of patients helps dieters lose an average of 3.5 kg.
Health leaders said the success shows how it will become a “vital tool” in helping to reduce the country’s bulging waistline.
Despite emerging evidence suggesting that weight loss interventions can be delivered effectively using digital technologies, researchers say there is little evidence of their effectiveness in routine care settings.
A study shows that the online tool used by thousands of patients helps dieters lose an average of 3.5 kg
They wanted to assess the 12-week online plan, which provides diet, exercise and general lifestyle advice via a phone app or online, to patients referred by their GP.
Patients are eligible if they are clinically obese with a BMI of 30 or 27.5 for black, Asian and minority people, and also have diabetes, high blood pressure or both.
In its first year, half of the 63,937 patients referred to the NHS Digital Weight Management Program enrolled in the service.
More than half – 57 percent – were women, with an average age of 57 years and an average weight of 15 kg in women and 17 kg in men.
They were then assessed from levels one to three, with help ranging from self-directed advice with optional group sessions to one-on-one coaching.
Of these, 14,268 completed the program between April 2021 and March 2022, typically losing more than 3.5kg each.
Even those who quit before completing the course lost an average of almost 5 pounds, according to the findings published in the Obesity Journal.
Dr. Clare Hambling, NHS National Clinical Director for Diabetes and Obesity, said: ‘These results are extremely encouraging and show that by combining the effectiveness of existing weight management services with an easily accessible service available on your phone or computer, more people can benefit from being supported to improve their health.’
She added: ‘While this study looked at the first 64,000 patients referred in the first year of the programme, we have now seen more than 358,000 GP referrals and it is very encouraging to see so many people benefiting of the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme’.
In England, more than a quarter of adults are obese, which costs the NHS more than £6 billion annually and is expected to rise to £9.7 billion by 2050.
The digital weight loss program was introduced in response to the pandemic and is one of a number of NHS programs to reduce conditions such as type 2 diabetes, such as the soup and shake diets.
Health Secretary Andrea Leadsom said: ‘We know that two-thirds of adults are overweight or living with obesity, so I’m pleased to see how effective the NHS Digital Weight Management Program is in helping obese people lose weight. fall and improve their health. their health.
‘Services like these are an essential tool for improving public health and easing the pressure on our NHS due to complex circumstances.’
WHAT SHOULD A BALANCED DIET LOOK LIKE?
Meals should be based on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, preferably whole grains, according to the NHS
• Eat at least 5 portions of varied fruit and vegetables every day. All fresh, frozen, dried and canned fruits and vegetables count
• Basic meals on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, preferably whole wheat
• 30 grams of fiber per day: This is the same as eating all of the following: 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, 2 whole wheat cereal biscuits, 2 thick slices of whole wheat bread and a large baked potato with the skin still on
• Provide some dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soy drinks), opting for lower fat and lower sugar options
• Eat some beans, legumes, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins (including 2 portions of fish per week, one portion of which is fatty)
• Choose unsaturated oils and spreads and consume them in small quantities
• Drink 6-8 cups/glasses of water per day
• Adults should have less than 6 g of salt and 20 g of saturated fat for women or 30 g for men per day
Source: NHS Eatwell Guide