Tesco is piloting a clinically supported weight management programme for people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes in six stores across England.
The retailer has joined forces with Nestlé Health Science to launch the OptiJourney initiative in its Fulbourn, Cherry Hinton, Northampton South Extra, Cambridge Bar Hill Extra, Surrey Quays, Rotherhithe, Kettering Extra and Southwark stores.
Its pharmacists are delivering the three-step programme, which is built around a calorie intake of 800-850 a day, achieved by replacing all food with Optifast shakes, bars and soups for 8 to 12 weeks.
This is followed by a four-week food reintroduction period and a final weight maintenance phase, Nestlé Health Science said.
The starter pack, which costs £50, gives participants access to shakes, bars and soups required for the first three days, as well as access to remote support delivered via the mobile app, which provides additional support in the form of an OptiJourney coach and dietician.
Users are advised to have four meal replacement foods a day, which cost £2.20 each - a total of £8.80 a day.
According to Nestlé, more than 3.2 million people in the UK have type 2 diabetes - a number that continues to rise.
In addition, about seven million are thought to have elevated blood glucose levels, also known as prediabetes, putting them at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
“We’re always looking for ways to help our customers lead healthier lives and we are delighted to be working with Nestlé Health Science to offer this unique service,” said Tesco head of health and wellness Judith Robinson.
“Patients will be supported by Tesco pharmacists and we hope the programme will make a real difference to people living with type 2 diabetes and those who are prediabetic.”
Nigel Bathurst, Nestlé Health Science business executive officer, added: “It’s an enormous privilege to join Tesco in taking our mission of advancing the therapeutic role of nutrition to people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. OptiJourney is built on the foundation of clinical trial data and personal support via a user-friendly app, and we believe it can be truly transformational. Business really can be a force for good and can help change lives for good.”
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