THE FAST 800 CHALLENGE

OUR volunteers all took part in the Fast 800 online diet programme, which involves recipes, advice, exercise plans and access to online coaching. They were also given Fast 800 shakes to complement the recipes.

Before they began, they were given comprehensive consultations and assessments at Bupa Health Clinics to check on a number of measurements including blood pressure, diabetes risk (calculated using several factors including HbA1c blood tests), heart rhythm screening, lipid profile (including cholesterol and triglycerides tests with HDLs and LDLs) and height, weight and body mass index. They were then assessed again after eight weeks to note any changes and monitor progress. Dr Arun Thiyagarajan, medical director of Bupa Health Clinics, says: ‘It is great to see the Daily Mail volunteers have been able to make such an improvement in their weight and health in just eight weeks.’ But he emphasizes this is just the beginning — to reap the best health benefits, you need to keep up your healthy habits. After three months of positive lifestyle changes many people see improvements in blood pressure and their cholesterol levels begin to reduce. They continue to see further health benefits — including reducing their blood sugar levels and the risk of type 2 diabetes — as time goes on.

VISIt bupa.co.uk for more details on their health assessments. VISIt thefast800.com for the online programme.