'I'm a better parent': Gloucester MP sheds seven stone on liquid diet after diabetes diagnosis
Gloucester's MP says he's now "a better parent" after a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes led him to lose seven stone in four months as part of an NHS diet involving liquid shakes.
Alex McIntyre is in his thirties and was elected as a Labour MP in the 2024 general election. That Christmas, his GP told him he has the condition.
"That hit me really hard," he explains. "I'm in my 30s, it's quite uncommon, although increasingly more and more young people are getting diagnosed."
What scared him most was the fact several studies now show that people diagnosed with Type 2 in their 30s can see their life expectancy reduced by around 14 years.
"It's the difference between seeing my little man get married one day or not, and that massively motivated me to lose weight," he says.
Since the diagnosis, the MP has joined the NHS 'Path to Remission' programme, which has restricted to him to an 800-calorie diet of liquid shakes for 12 weeks. He admits it "isn't for the faint-hearted", but insists the programme is guided by his GP and sees his weight loss closely monitored.
"I've struggled with my weight for most of my adult life," he tells ITV. "And it's something that anyone who has struggled with their weight will be able to recognise. The yo-yo dieting, trying lots of different diets, whether it's Joe Wicks or Slimming World or Weight Watchers - I've tried most of them.
"You lose a few pounds, maybe you lose a couple of stone, and things get in the way. Life gets in the way. Life's really tough for lots of people. You're busy, you're working hard, something happens with your family."
The death of his Nan just before he started the programme was something that could have knocked him back, he says, but the "big change" in his life was the birth of his son.
"It's really hit home to me that life expectancy piece. I want to be around to see my little boy grow up, perhaps have grand kids one day. That has really motivated me in a way no other life moments have."
Alex now sits on the Health and Social Care parliamentary committee and wants to use his experience to help shape government policy around obesity and diabetes.
Diabetes costs the NHS around £10 billion every a year, with sufferers at risk of some serious and costly health complications in the long-term. Alex admits he was at risk of costing the NHS a lot of money, and as a politician, wanted to do something about it.
Findings published in the Lancet show one third of participants with Type 2 diabetes, who have completed the NHS programme he's on, enter remission. It's something Alex hopes he'll do too, as he's about to move onto the second part of the programme, gradually reintroduce solid food, and new daily habits.
Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes
"There are so many more young people being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and there is such a stigma attached to it, and to obesity and being overweight more generally," he adds.
"People need to know there are people out there like them going through this too and there is help available, you don't need to be ashamed to ask for help, and there is to support here to help you on that journey."
Alex has been overwhelmed by the response he's had from speaking publicly. Not only have constituents got in touch, but the odd political rival and parliamentary colleague has too.
"I don't come from a political background. I went to a state school. I didn't go to Eton, or Oxford or Cambridge," he says. "That's not to say I haven't had a lucky or privileged life, and I recognise that. But the challenges people in my constituency are facing - whether that's getting childcare or finding a good school for their kids, getting a GP appointment, finding a dentist - these are things me and my family are going through every day.
"That's part of the reason I stood to be an MP. I think we need more normal people in politics and it's important to use opportunities like this to share with people."
Mr McIntyre hopes this will prove to be a good example of shifting the NHS model more from treatment to prevention. He admits he's "evangelical" about the programme because it has so far worked for him, but accepts it won't work for everyone.
He's not against weight loss jabs, either, but notes they are considerably more expensive than shakes and soups.
He says the money saved from rolling out the scheme could help more people into remission, with the money saved able to be to spent "on other frontline services" and helping people "live happier, healthier lives".
"For me it's about being the best version of me I can possibly be.
"And that's not to say I wasn't a good Dad when I was overweight, but I just feel I can do more now.
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