About the Study
Being overweight increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels become too high and can lead to serious health problems.
Research has shown that losing weight can improve, and in some cases even reverse, Type 2 diabetes. Structured low-calorie diet programmes have been particularly effective in helping people achieve this.
However, not everyone responds in the same way. This study aims to understand why weight loss leads to diabetes remission in some people but not others.
We will look at how fat stored in the body, particularly in the pancreas, affects how diabetes develops and how these changes improve with weight loss.
By understanding this better, we hope to improve future treatments and support for people living with Type 2 diabetes.
We will therefore recruit adults who are aged between 45 and 79 years with a BMI ≥30 including:
- People who have had Type 2 diabetes for up to 6 years (short duration diabetes)
- People who have had Type 2 diabetes for 10 years or longer
- People who do not have diabetes (controls)
- People who have pre-diabetes (higher than normal blood glucose but not in the diabetic range)
The study is clinically registered.
ISRCTN36628439 and NCT07364045
Study Process
1. Screening Visit
If you’re interested in taking part, we’ll invite you to a screening appointment (around 30–60 minutes).
At this visit, we’ll ask about your health, medical history, and medications, as well as measure your height, weight and body composition, and take a blood sample. This helps us confirm whether the study is suitable for you.
If you’re eligible and happy to continue, you’ll move on to the study programme.
2. Study Programme
You will follow a structured low-calorie diet programme using soups and shakes provided by Counterweight Plus.
All products are provided free of charge, and you can choose from a range of flavours.
The programme has three stages:
Phase 1: Weight loss (8–12 weeks)
- Low-calorie diet (~800 kcal/day)
- Aim: around 10% weight loss
Phase 2: Food reintroduction (2 weeks)
- Gradual return to normal foods
Phase 3: Weight maintenance (up to 6 months)
- Ongoing support to help maintain weight loss
Participants with shorter-duration diabetes may be followed for up to 12 months.
3. Study Visits
You will attend regular visits at the research centre, including two longer visits (around 5 hours each) and several shorter visits (around 30 minutes). These visits allow us to monitor your progress and ensure your safety throughout the study.
4. Medication Monitoring
If you have Type 2 diabetes, diabetes medications will usually be stopped at the start of the programme. You will be closely monitored by a specialist Diabetes Research Nurse, with support from the Edinburgh Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes.
5. Support During the Study
You’ll be offered access to the Counterweight digital app (or a printed workbook if you prefer). This provides support throughout the programme, including tracking your progress, setting goals, and access to weekly educational content on nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress, and maintaining weight loss.
Benefits of taking part
Taking part in this study may offer a range of potential health benefits.
Most people lose weight on the programme, typically around 10–15%, although this varies between individuals.
Some people who complete a structured weight loss programme can achieve remission of Type 2 diabetes, meaning blood sugar levels return to a non-diabetic range without the need for medication. Previous participants often describe feeling healthier, more energetic, and in some cases say they feel “years younger”.
Even if remission is not achieved, many people experience important health improvements, including:
- Weight loss
- Improved blood sugar levels
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved cholesterol levels
These changes can help reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall health.