Record numbers join NHS ‘soups and shakes’ programme
More than 13,000 patients joined the NHS's 'soups and shakes' diet programme for those with type 2 diabetes in 2024/25, which is the highest uptake since the programme launched, NHS England has said.
The NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme, which aims to support weight loss and potential remission, doubled its enrolment compared to the previous year (6,401 in 2023-24).
Over 30,000 people have now started the programme since it was first piloted in 2020, and it is currently available in every local health area in England.
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The 12-month programme begins with a low-calorie, total diet replacement phase, typically involving soups, shakes and bars totalling 800 to 900 calories per day.
This is followed by a structured reintroduction of healthy food and long-term lifestyle support. Participants can choose to receive one-to-one coaching in person or online.
Recent data show that among those who complete the programme, 32% have put their type 2 diabetes into remission, with an average weight loss of nearly 16kg.
Dr Clare Hambling, NHS national clinical director for diabetes and obesity, said: ‘It is fantastic to see that this proven NHS diet programme is transforming lives – helping thousands of people to lose weight, and for some people put their type 2 diabetes into remission.’
People can join the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme if they meet the eligibility criteria and their GP and diabetes team considers the programme would be suitable for them.
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To be eligible a person must have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within the last six years and have a BMI over 27 kg/m2 or over 25 kg/m2 (for people from Black, Asian and other ethnic groups).
The NHS England Path to Remission Programme forms part of a wider prevention agenda under the government’s 10-year health plan.
Health minister Baroness Gillian Merron said: ‘Supporting thousands of people to lose weight and potentially put their type 2 diabetes into remission is exactly the kind of innovative approach we want to see across the health service.
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‘This is our 10-year health plan’s shift from treatment to prevention in action, and we’re determined to make sure even more people can access support like this in the years ahead.’
A version of this story was first published on our sister title Nursing in Practice.
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