We read with interest the latest guidance on Type 2 Diabetes that was reported in the press earlier this week.

The headlines: studies have shown that diet programmes based on calorie and nutritionally controlled shakes and soups can be effective in treating obesity and, by extension, Type 2 Diabetes.

We have known for many years of the link between obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. It is the single biggest risk factor for developing the disease. We’ve also known that calorie-controlled meal replacement diets can be effective in helping people reduce their weight. That is all positive.

The issue is that in the vast majority of cases, people are unable to maintain the dietary regime and regain the weight, often adding more. This is the so-called “yo-yo” diet pattern of weight gain that we see in most people who have weight loss surgery.

We also know from meeting thousands of people in clinic, that most have exhausted diets as a way to manage their weight. They need something more and that is the reason they turn to weight loss surgery. Indeed, for the vast majority of weight loss surgery patients, it provides an immediate and effective treatment for their Type 2 Diabetes, especially those undergoing a gastric bypass.

So, this increased awareness of obesity and Type 2 Diabetes is a good thing, but for most people, dietary changes alone are unlikely to be enough, especially those who have already been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and especially those who have tried numerous diets in the past, only to see the weight go back on.

For this group, weight loss surgery is likely to be the best solution.