Research busts myth that patients with diabetes can’t lose weight

Research* has revealed the Slimming World programme is successful in supporting patients who have type 2 diabetes to lose weight and manage their glucose control.

The findings, published in the journal Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, busts the common misconception that people with type 2 diabetes can’t manage their weight through healthy lifestyle changes.

The study, championed by Audley Health Centre in Staffordshire, involved 69 patients who were referred to a Slimming World group by their diabetes specialist nurse. These patients attended up to 12 funded weekly Slimming World group sessions and were offered a second 12-week referral if they achieved a 3% weight loss.

By 12 months, patients on average, had lost a clinically significant 5.5% of their weight showing Slimming World is effective for patients with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, 20% of patients achieved more than a 10% weight reduction with many participants seeing improvements in glucose control and remarkably, six patients were able to reduce or stop taking their diabetes medication altogether.

Participants also reported healthy lifestyle changes after this time, including less reliance on processed foods and unhealthy snacking and being more likely to go for regular walks.

Dr Jacquie Lavin, Head of Nutrition and Research at Slimming World, says: “We know the obesity crisis is a ticking timebomb, on both our personal health, and that of the NHS which is funding a vast range of treatments associated with type 2 diabetes and other weight related problems. The results above showcase what can be done directly in the community, at a Slimming World group. We believe the support you get from being in a warm, empowering group environment is key to helping you eat more healthily and becoming more active too.”

“There has been a lot of coverage in the press recently about suitable diets for people with type 2 diabetes. Our Food Optimising eating plan is so flexible - the vast range of food which members can enjoy includes fruit, vegetables, lean meat and fish, and pulses as well as starchy carbohydrates such as pasta, rice and potatoes. For our members with diabetes, the plan can be tailored to fit their individual needs ensuring it is in line with the dietary advice from their health care professional.”

Commenting on the study, Audley Health Centre’s Practice Manager Julie Stokes says: “The results are truly impressive. Any drug manufacturers would be pleased with this outcome. The study really does demonstrate support for a Slimming World approach for patients who are overweight and have diabetes. While there was no control group, the reductions in HbA1c, weight and prescribed medication are very significant.”

GP Dr Sharon Turner, Audley Health Centre says: “We are hugely thankful to Slimming World for their hard work with our patients with diabetes. The skill and contribution to the care of these patients has made a real difference to their lives, their treatments and their health outcomes. We have received many positive comments from group members. All the hard work and commitment of the Slimming World Consultant is greatly appreciated.”

Slimming World on Referral allows health professionals looking for weight-management services to refer patients whose weight is affecting their health to Slimming World groups, offering them free membership, in blocks of 12 weeks. Many of these patients then go on to self-fund after their 12-week membership period is up. Slimming World’s research shows that referral members who attend at least 10 out of 12 sessions lose on average over 5% of their starting weight – a clinically significant amount – at about half the cost of obesity drugs.

Case study

Dave Lancaster, 45, a Slimming World member who lives in Warwick and is Slimming World’s Man of the Year, lived with type 2 diabetes, but saw his condition go into remission after losing more than 20st.

“At my heaviest I suffered from a long list of health complaints, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, crippling joint pain, high cholesterol, the beginnings of gout and sleep apnoea. I found it difficult to walk to the end of my road and I went out so rarely except for work that I was close to becoming a recluse, and I was nearing almost complete immobility. It felt as though as I was getting bigger and bigger, my world was gradually shrinking.

“So in April 2016 I bit the bullet and joined my local Slimming World group, run by my former neighbour Angie Baker. As I walked through the door, Angie instantly recognised me.

“The following day I filled my cupboards with healthy ingredients and began to embrace Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan with vigour, cooking a range of dishes including stir-fries, salads and pasta from scratch. Inspired by the other members in my group, I also began walking around my local park.

“Thanks to the changes I’ve made my health has improved dramatically and I no longer need to take any medication. My blood sugar reading is now in the normal range and the doctor says I show no symptoms of type 2 diabetes. I’ve got my life back and I couldn’t be happier. The world isn’t shrinking anymore; it’s getting bigger and bigger by the day!”

ENDS

*Read the full paper here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/edm2.45