Will the new NHS diet work?
Did you notice the announcement for the “life-changing” NHS’ “soup and shakes” weight loss plan? — It is aimed at the 5,000 patients across the UK with Type 2 diabetes (who have double the risk of dying from Covid 19).
Has the NHS finally taken on board the idea that it is urgent to tackle weight loss because it leads to better health? A recent trial proves that dramatic weight loss can reverse Type 2 diabetes.
The NHS describes the programme as “Life Changing”. I have to agree. Weight loss is life- changing especially where health is the reason. I wholeheartedly agree that there is no better thing you can do for yourself (if you are overweight) than lose weight. In fact, aim high for a healthy weight. But even a 5% or 10% weight loss offers remarkable health benefits. This is for everyone, not just diabetics. Being overweight makes a body inflamed so the immune system doesn’t work as well. We are all aware that if we get any virus, we need a powerful immune system to combat it. This could be life or death – it’s not about looking good in a swimsuit or skinny jeans! I know exactly how it feels, and I wish this had been available to me when I was in that dark place. I have also had extremely upset people confide in me that they feel really low because of their struggles, because being overweight leads to poor self-esteem and a negative inner dialogue.
The belief used to be that rapid weight loss was dangerous, and that once you reverted to normal eating, the weight piled back on. Unfortunately it can. But success totally depends on what foods are reintroduced after initial weight loss. And – I am very happy to see that this initiative is not only about the food. It’s about helping patients see life beyond the food plan and what they eat or drink.
Although my colleagues and I have known for some time that reversing Type 2 diabetes is possible through diet and lifestyle, it is only since 2017 where fantastic results of a 12 month study of very low calorie meals and shakes put participants into disease remission after 12 months. It is remission and not a cure because if people revert to the original diet, the type 2 diabetes will return. What’s more after two years 70% of those people (presumably the ones that kept to the protocol) were still in remission.
This is bariatric surgery without any surgery! It is less risky, and significantly cheaper. Diabetics cost the NHS £10 billion a year.
The main success point of this study – which of course I know only too well having helped hundreds of people – is the counselling that goes with it. People need to understand why their brains work. Brains crave certain foods. Knowing this makes behaviour change possible without relying on superhuman willpower to not regain the weight.
When people are left alone, it is really challenging to stick to any new protocol and healthy way of living. Our brains mess with us. Our brains are very insistent. And, coaching is even better than counselling because it focuses on empowering the individual. It focuses on the present and the future, not on the past. Coaching has a ‘what’s possible?’ outlook, not a ‘what’s the problem?’ outlook. Coaching empowers the client, whereas counselling diagnoses and treats patients. It’s about taking back control with the correct amount of support and accountability – not giving away your power to someone else who can just fix you.
People don’t want to go back into the office. Figures released this week revealed that most managers and professionals are choosing to work from home.
It’s not surprising, because many people have legitimate fears that should they contract Coronavirus their lives will be at danger.
Our brains are hard wired to protect us, even when the risks are low.
Many people who put on weight over the pandemic are complaining that they don’t fit into their work suits any more. So it’s hardly surprising if they lose their confidence. With so much else going on, this is one step too far. Added to this are the uncertainties of what is going on in our environments. Working from home. Kids going back to school or university. Social life impacted. Check, check, check!
If you’re over forty, your body is likely starting to have lots of hormonal changes. If you’re over fifty, your confidence is very likely affected.
You may feel like you’re not yourself. Maybe you’ve even thought about seeing the doctor. Have you wondered if your thyroid isn’t working?
The doctor may tell you that you will feel better if you lose weight, and upgrade your lifestyle (if they are willing to have that difficult conversation). That’s not really helpful. You know one reason you don’t feel great is because you have put on weight, and it’s likely you don’t feel you’re doing anything differently.
But before you do that, ask yourself if your habits are changing and your consumption of
ultra-processed food (UPF) has increased. A very recent study demonstrated that BMI has risen exponentially with the marked increase of 50-60% of these foods forming a daily diet. The clinical trial followed over 110,000 people over between 2009 and 2019. That’s only ten years, and it has been a sneaky thing by clever marketing by food and delivery food companies!
It’s so unfair feeling misunderstood. Losing control, having unclear thoughts and the worry about what the future holds at this time of life can be really scary.
Many people are in denial. They hope it will just go back to normal if they do nothing. Then they may feel angry and even question their sanity.
We are ruled by over fifty different hormones.
I do a lot of reading in my research into weight loss and lifestyle because I believe (in fact I know) being a healthy weight is the best thing you can give yourself to improve your health and feel better. The trouble is it’s not easy. It can feel like you’re hitting your head against a brick wall, trying your best to do something about it and it doesn’t work. I know how that feels because I was there myself. It was a long time ago now, but I remember it well. The harder I tried, the more weight I gained. It was a vicious cycle.
To break out of the habit cycle of turning to these trusted friends, particularly if you are struggling with anything in your life takes support. Food and alcohol are comforting. They don’t question you or answer you back!
Change is challenging, and easier when are brains are more elastic – when we are young. Like everything in life, the worse a situation becomes the more likely we are to seek help. But if you wait until you are chronically ill, it will be a lot harder to change your habits. But the rewards are worth everything, despite the hurdles.