Sept 2011 - Today sees the launch of lbs for £s, a doubly rewarding way to lose weight whilst supporting one of the biggest health challenges in the country, the rising number of people diagnosed with diabetes. A unique initiative from Tesco Diets, lbs for £s promises to turn every pound in weight lost into £1, which will then be donated to Diabetes UK and the Diabetes Federation of Ireland.
Backed by the enthusiastic support of TV presenter Ruth Langsford, and ex-England cricketer and Strictly Come Dancing winner Darren Gough, the campaign’s aim is to raise £100,000 for the charities.
Ruth Langsford is in support of the Tesco Diets £s for lbs campaign:
"We all know the positive impact that being a healthy weight can have, not only do you feel better about yourself but, it helps reduce the risk of so many illnesses such as diabetes. Lbs for £s is a remarkable way to encourage people to take care of themselves and at the same time raise money to help others. The idea that your loss is someone's gain is a great motivation to get in shape!"
English cricketer and Strictly Come Dancing Winner Darren Gough is delighted that the UK is being encouraged to get involved:
“A good diet combined with exercise is the best way to help keep your weight in check. It’s so important to focus on your own health as well as that of your family as it can go such a long way into preventing and managing illnesses such as diabetes. Not only is lbs for £s tackling the cause at the heart of the matter but at the same time the money raised will go towards helping funding research into treatments and a cure for future generations.”
People wanting to get involved can do so at www.tescodiets.com. By answering a few simple questions dieters can create and customise their own healthy eating plan. Each week Tesco Diets will calculate the total amount of weight lost by participants and convert the lbs into £s. Once the milestone of £100,000 has been achieved this will then be donated to Diabetes UK and Diabetes Ireland.
In the UK 2.8 million people have been diagnosed with having diabetes, with one person diagnosed every 3 minutes. However it is estimated that 850,000 are unaware that they have the condition and by 2025 the number of people with diabetes will reach 5 million. The illness already causes more deaths than breast and prostate cancer combined and it is estimated it costs the NHS £1 million per hour.
For more information, please visit www.tescodiets.com
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
About Tescodiets:
Tesco Diets is the 3rd biggest weight loss service provider in the UK and Ireland, with a unique offering that includes innovative tailored weight loss plans and access to nutritionists. It’s convenient, healthy and fits in to your lifestyle. For more information visit: www.tescodiets.com.
About Diabetes UK:
Diabetes UK is the leading charity working with and for people with diabetes, their families and healthcare professionals. Their mission is to inform, empower and support children and adults living with diabetes and to invest in a future free from this serious and degenerative condition.
Over time, diabetes can cause irreversible damage and lead to blindness, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and amputation. The condition affects both young and old, people who are overweight and living sedentary lifestyles as well as those who are fit and active. This is because the two main types of diabetes affect distinct target groups:
Type 1 diabetes develops when the body is unable to produce insulin. This type of diabetes is unrelated to lifestyle factors and not preventable. It accounts for 10 per cent of all people with diabetes and is commonly diagnosed in childhood.
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body can still make insulin, but not enough, or when the insulin produced does not work properly. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 per cent of people with diabetes.