Higher diabetes risk with lockdown weight gain

PEOPLE who put on weight during the lockdown are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, an NHS study has found.

There has also been a rise in the number of those seeking weightloss help than before the start of the pandemic. According to the research, people asking for help weare on average 2.27kg (5lbs) heavier than those starting the programme during the previous three years.

The study, published in Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, reveals that people aged under 40 who have enrolled on the NHS diabetes prevention programme have put on the most weight. They are, on average, 8lbs heavier than those enrolled before the pandemic.

An increase in weight of 1kg could increase the risk of developing diabetes by about eight per cent. The study added that at the present rate, the growing number of people with diabetes could result in nearly 39,000 extra people suffering a heart attack in 2035, and more than 50,000 experiencing a stroke.

Prof Jonathan Valabhji, NHS national clinical director for diabetes and obesity who produced the findings, said those concerned about weight gain should get help as soon as possible. “The pandemic has changed every part of our lives and taken a toll on mind and body, with thousands of people paying a heavy price, and many gaining weight during lockdown,” he said.

“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.”

The NHS has fast-tracked access to the programme after research found that people are twice as likely to die from Covid-19 if they have type 2 diabetes.