Type 2 diabetes is a leading cause of preventable sight loss in people of working age and is a major contributor to kidney failure, heart attack, and stroke. There are currently 3.4 million people with Type 2 diabetes in England with around 200,000 new diagnoses every year.

 While Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented and is not linked to lifestyle, Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable through lifestyle changes. As well as the human cost, Type 2 diabetes treatment accounts for just under nine per cent of the annual NHS budget. This is around £8.8 billion a year.

Peter, from Cumbria, was invited to join the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (DPP) by his GP. Initially, he attended Healthier You sessions run by programme partner WW. However, when these sessions were paused as a result of the coronavirus lockdown, he continued his participation through online sessions. After just one week he achieved a loss of 7lbs (3kg) from his joining weight of 21 stone 9 pounds (137kg).

“I was happy to hear about the remote workshops using Zoom, and thought, ‘Why not?’ I logged on and got on the workshop with Anna and Chloe. The support of the coaches is invaluable and it’s fair to say we all learnt a bit about technology along the way,” Peter said.

“The workshops are well structured and keep me focused on the task in hand. Anna gives plenty of tips on using the WW app and gets some really focused discussions on setting goals.

“I really enjoy the interaction of the workshops and keeping in touch with everyone and listening to their stories. Even welcoming new people onto the group along the way. There isn’t any pressure as everyone has a similar story and all feel the same, I’m sure.

“My initial target was to lose ‘a sack of tatties’ – the equivalent of a four-stone sack (25kg) – over the nine-month period offered by the NHS.

“After buying a set of weighing scales I was well on the way and earlier this month I weighed in at 16 stones and 12 pounds (107kg), meaning I have passed my target of losing 4 stones and am happy with that. I’ve also started to exercise now. I’ve bought an exercise bike and have started by pedalling slowly.

“I don’t think I would have done so well without the great workshops and fantastic support of the Weight Watchers coaches and the rest of the group members.”