NHS

Soups and shakes diet

In 2020, the NHS launched a year-long medical trial aimed at helping those recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes lose weight, a key factor in managing and reversing the condition.Based on the evidence from two major studies (the DiRECT trial and the Droplet trial) the NHS launched The NHS Low Calorie Diet Programme, also known as the NHS Soup and Shake Diet.The NHS spends £10 billion treating type 2 diabetes and its complications every year, making effective treatment a major health priority. In recent years, life-changing research has made the hope of finding a solution a reality.Weight loss is now widely acknowledged as an effective way to achieve remission, with clinical trials showing that of individuals who lost over 15kg of weight, 86% successfully reached remission.[1]

Where the programme’s running

The pilot locations in the programme include:‍

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes
Birmingham and Solihull
Derbyshire
Frimley
Gloucestershire
Greater Manchester
Humber Coast and Vale
North Central London
North East London
South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw

The programme is then set to become available in the following areas in 2022:

Black Country and West Birmingham
Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Kent and Medway
Lancashire and South Cumbria
Mid and South Essex
North East and North Cumbria
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
Somerset
South West London
Sussex
West Yorkshire

The NHS and Diabetes UK are working together to expand the availability of the programme, with further details yet to be released.

Any questions? We’ve got the answers

How do I participate if I’m not in one of those locations?
Rybelsus (semaglutide) is a medication that was originally used to control blood sugars for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
GLP-1 hormones are normally produced by the body to help to regulate glucose levels in the blood. They work by telling the pancreas to produce more insulin (a hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy) and slowing the absorption of glucose from the stomach.
Rybelsus mimics the effects of natural GLP-1 by binding to GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas, which triggers the pancreas to produce more insulin and slows down the absorption of glucose in the stomach. This helps to lower the levels of glucose in the blood, thus improving glucose control.
Additionally, Rybelsus also suppresses appetite by binding to receptors in the brain, which can lead to weight loss as well.
What dosage should I take?
Whilst Ozempic, the injectable version of Rybelsus, has been in the news far more often, Rybelsus is a good option for those looking to lose weight without needing to self-inject. Rybelsus can reduce hunger and cravings and in turn lead to weight loss. Whilst Rybelsus hasn't specifically been studied for weight loss (as it's licenced for use by patients with type 2 diabetes), injectable semaglutide has been shown to lead to about 15% body weight loss after 12 months[2]. Please bear in mind that every patient is different, so you'll need to see how your body reacts to Rybelsus treatment, and how quickly you lose weight whilst taking the tablets.
Who can take Semaglutide (Ozempic)?
Rybelsus is an oral medication (tablets) which should be taken daily. You should take your daily tablet on an empty stomach, but it can be taken at any time of the day. On a Habitual Rybelsus plan, your subscription will renew once every 4 weeks, and our new treatment will be delivered straight to you, so no need to go into a doctor or have a video call every time you want to access more treatment. We'll just ask for a short online medical consultation before sending your next dose!
What are the side effects?
Our Rybelsus plan costs £219 per month. That includes your medication (regardless of which dose you're on), access to our custom-built habit change app, and an optional peer support group. Whilst you may be able to purchase the medication elsewhere for slightly less, we believe strongly in the importance of a holistic approach, which is why we include support and app access alongside the medication.
How do I stop taking Ozempic?
How long should I take Ozempic for?
There are some side effects of Rybelsus that you should know about before starting treatment.
The most commonly reported side effects include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Reflux or heartburn
- Stomach pain and bloating of the stomach
Side effects tend to be worse alongside dose increases, and then subside, but every patient is different. If you experience any unmanageable side effects, please discontinue treatment and seek advice from your GP.

References

[1] Lean, M.E.J., Leslie, W.S., Barnes, A.C., et al. (2018). Primary care-led weight management for remission of type 2 diabetes (DiRECT): an open-label, cluster-randomised trial. Lancet 391(10120):541-551.

[2] Lean, M.E.J., Leslie, W.S., Barnes, A.C., et al. Durability of a primary care-led weight-management intervention for remission of type 2 diabetes: 2-year results of the DiRECT open-label, cluster-randomised trial. (2019). Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 7(5):344-355.

[3] Lim, E.L., Hollingsworth, K.G., Aribisala, B.S., et al. Reversal of type 2 diabetes: normalisation of beta cell function in association with decreased pancreas and liver triacylglycerol. (2011). Diabetologia 54(10):2506-14.

[4] Taheri, S., Zaghloul, H., Chagoury, O., et al. (2020) Effect of intensive lifestyle intervention on bodyweight and glycaemia in early type 2 diabetes (DIADEM-I): an open-label, parallel-group randomised controlled trial. Lancet 8(6):477-489.

[5] Astbury, N.M., Aveyard, P., Nickless, A., et al. (2018). Doctor referral of overweight people to low energy total diet replacement treatment (DROPLET): pragmatic randomised controlled trial. BMJ 362:K3760.

[6] Christensen, P, Meinert Larsen, T, et al. (2018). Men and women respond differently to rapid weight loss: Metabolic outcomes of a multi-centre intervention study after a low‐energy diet in 2500 overweight, individuals with pre-diabetes (PREVIEW). Diabetes Obes Metab 20: 2840– 2851.

[7] Morris, E., Aveyard, P., Dyson, P., et al. (2019). A food-based, low-energy, low-carbohydrate diet for people with type 2 diabetes in primary care: A randomized controlled feasibility trial. Diabetes Obes Metab 22(4):512-520.

Is the NHS Soups and Shakes Diet available in my area?

Scientifically proved

Find out where the NHS programme is running and what to do if you're not in one of those locations.

NHS programme

Soups and shakes diet

Holistic treatment

Locations

Where the programme’s running

FAQs

Any questions? We’ve got the answers

References

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