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New study reveals people in West Midlands seeking NHS weight loss help heavier than those before COVID

People in the West Midlands seeking NHS help to lose weight during the pandemic are on average five pounds heavier than those who started the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme during the previous three years, new NHS research has revealed.

Extra weight, gained as people lived through the COVID pandemic, means people are at higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

The study, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, showed that people aged under 40 enrolling on the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme have seen the greatest differences in weight and are an average of eight pounds heavier than those enrolling before.

It is estimated that weight gain of one kilogram, or 2.2 pounds, can increase someone’s risk of diabetes by around 8%.

Professor Vinod Patel, Clinical Director Diabetes NHS England & NHS Improvement in the Midlands, said the study showed why people should come forward for help.

“The COVID pandemic has resulted in many people in the West Midlands gaining weight during lockdown. The increase in weight also means an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes – which is associated with many of the common types of cancer, blindness, amputations as well as heart attacks and strokes.

“As we return to normal life, there has never been a better time to make small changes to improve our health – our NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme can help people do just that.

“If you think you are at risk of Type 2 diabetes, would like more information on the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme or have any other concerns related to your health, please visit your GP or request a telephone consultation. You can also complete the Diabetes UK ‘Know Your Risk’ tool (https://riskscore.diabetes.org.uk/start) to register yourself onto a free local Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme session.”

The highly successful, world-leading NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is helping hundreds of thousands of people take small steps to take control of their own health. In the Midlands, 37,800 people have attended the first session of the programme with an average weight loss of 3.0kg, 6 months after attending the first session.

The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme lasts between nine and 12 months and is designed to stop or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes through advice and support on healthier eating, weight management and physical exercise.