DPP patients losing weight faster than expected

New NHS figures have shown that patients on the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Programme (DPP) have lost almost 60,000kg between them.

The programme, which gives advice on dieting, exercise and healthy lifestyle, is being doubled in size over the next few years to treat around 200,000 people annually as part of a renewed focus on prevention. From July, online versions of the DPP, which involve wearable technologies and apps to help those at risk of Type 2 Diabetes, will be provided for patients who find it difficult to attend sessions because of work or family commitments.

The latest figures show that the 17,000 people who attended sessions lost an average of 3.4kg, over one kilogram than was originally predicted. The total of 59,000kg is the equivalent of four double decker buses.

Diabetes currently costs the NHS more than £10 billion every year to treat, despite strong evidence that in many patients the disease is preventable. The DPP is designed to prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes through a change in lifestyle choices, including advice on how to lose weight abd bespoke physical activity programmes.

Jonathan Valabhji, NHS England national clinical director of diabetes and obesity, said: “Around two thirds of adults and one third of children are now overweight or obese, driving higher and higher rates of Type 2 diabetes that we are now focusing huge efforts to address, as outlined in the NHS Long Term Plan.

“I’m delighted that our work so far in this area has been producing really positive results. This weight loss is promising – and we hope to help many more of those who are at risk of Type 2 diabetes to not get it in the first place.”

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This story was first published in digitalhealth.net

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