Record numbers join NHS ‘soups and shakes’ programme for type 2 diabetes

A record number of people with type 2 diabetes enrolled in the NHS’s ‘soups and shakes’ diet programme in 2024-25, with over 13,000 participants joining the initiative aimed at supporting weight loss and potential remission.

The NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme doubled its enrolment compared to the previous year (6,401 in 2023-24), marking the highest uptake since the programme was launched.

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.’

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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.

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.

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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.

‘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.’