'Lockdown lard' increasing risk of diabetes say medics - The Malvern Observer

'Lockdown lard' increasing risk of diabetes say medics

Malvern Editorial 14th Sep, 2021   0

PEOPLE in the region seeking NHS help to lose weight during the pandemic are on average five pounds heavier than those who started the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme during the previous three years, new research has revealed.

Extra weight, gained as people lived through the pandemic, means people are at higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

The study, published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, showed that people aged under 40 enrolling on the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme have seen the greatest differences in weight and are an average of eight pounds heavier than those enrolling before.

It is estimated that weight gain of one kilogram, or 2.2 pounds, can increase someone’s risk of diabetes by around eight per cent




Professor Vinod Patel, Clinical Director Diabetes NHS England and NHS Improvement in the Midlands, said the study showed why people should come forward for help.

“The pandemic has resulted in many people gaining weight during lockdown.


“The increase in weight also means an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes – which is associated with many of the common types of cancer, blindness, amputations as well as heart attacks and strokes.

“As we return to normal life, there has never been a better time to make small changes to improve our health – our NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme can help people do just that.

“If you think you are at risk of Type 2 diabetes, visit your GP or request a telephone consultation.

“You can also complete the Diabetes UK ‘Know Your Risk’ tool (https://riskscore.diabetes.org.uk/start) to register yourself onto a free local Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme session.”

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