Weight Watchers will be prescribed on NHS for weight loss to tackle type 2 diabetes epidemic
DOCTORS will be able to refer their patients to Weight Watchers to help tackle the type 2 diabetes epidemic.
WW - the new name for the popular weight loss programme - will offer a special programme to help tackle the deadly disease.
12.3million Brits at risk of type 2 diabetes
It comes as new figures show one person is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes every three minutes in the UK.
The condition is the leading cause of blindness, amputation, impotence and heart disease - with 3.2million sufferers across the country.
NHS statistics show 202,665 are diagnosed with obesity-linked type 2 diabetes every year.
Experts estimate a million more adults are unaware they have the disease, which occurs when the body loses the ability to process sugar - while 12.3 million people are at risk.
Urgent action needed
Chris Askew, head of Diabetes UK, said: “One person diagnosed every three minutes is a frightening speed.
“We need urgent action to prevent as many of the 12.3 million people at increased risk of type 2 diabetes from developing it.”
In a bid to tackle the rise in cases, WW has been selected by the NHS to help people lose weight - a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
Zoe Griffiths, global director of nutrition, said: "The growing obesity epidemic and the associated increase in type 2 diabetes are a public health crisis.
"Every three minutes in the UK, a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is made.
"It's absolutely in our power to reduce the risk with proven approaches and our studies have shown how to implement prevention of type 2 diabetes in the real world and offer realistic programmes with real impact.
"WW has demonstrated how making lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, with many of our members joining for this very reason."
Obesity increase risk by 85%
Obesity is the leading cause of type 2 diabetes, increasing a person's risk by 80 to 85 per cent.
The WW programme is clinically-proven to support weight loss and improvement in blood sugar control in those diagnosed with pre-diabetes.
As well as helping members lose weight, WW helps people change their habits to make healthy eating and physical activity a part of their daily lives.
MORE ON WEIGHT LOSS
Those referred by their GP or nurse will get access to the full range of WW tools, including coaching and workshops, face-to-face meetings, recipe ideas and activity and wellness inspiration, as well as support on the WW app.
The collaboration is part of the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, working with NHS England, Public Health England and Diabetes UK.
Ms Griffiths added: "We are proud to be appointed as a provider to help tackle one of the most significant public health challenges of our time."
