2kg Challenge
What is the 2kg Challenge?
This is your opportunity to empower yourself to reduce your chance of type 2 diabetes.
The 2kg Challenge encourages people to improve their health through small, manageable lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by up to 30 per cent.
A small amount of weight loss can have a large impact on the health and wellbeing of an individual.
If someone at risk of diabetes loses just 2kg, they reduce their chance of developing diabetes by 30%.
Just a small and sustained weight loss reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and some cancers in addition to lowering blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
The 2kg Challenge is part of an initiative by the Western Sydney Changing Diabetes collaboration which was launched in 2022 between Western Sydney Diabetes, Workers Lifestyle Group, Western Sydney Primary Health Network (WSPHN) and pharmaceutical group Novo Nordisk.
The 2kg Challenge campaign was launched to partners and government and community leaders by Western Sydney Changing Diabetes at Workers Blacktown in June 2023.
Western Sydney Diabetes Director, Professor Glen Maberly said small, consistent lifestyle changes can help prevent diabetes.
“You don’t need to overhaul your life all at once, every bit of exercise and every healthy choice counts, that’s why the 2kg Challenge is about more than weight loss, it is about embracing lifestyle changes that we can sustain every day,” Prof Maberly said.
“Diabetes can often be prevented if you act early, through increasing your physical activity, eating a healthy diet and losing weight.
“However, if you do develop diabetes you need to make sure you are getting regular blood tests and working with your GP to ensure you are using the appropriate medications and keeping your blood sugars under control.”
The Western Sydney Primary Health Network, WentWest, has launched the campaign across its general practices in the Blacktown area.
“By encouraging small, manageable lifestyle changes, we can make a significant impact on diabetes prevention in our community,” Director of Primary Care & Transformation, Jane Assange, said.
“This challenge not only raises awareness but also provides essential resources and support to help individuals make lasting, healthy lifestyle changes.
“Together, we can make a significant difference in diabetes prevention and the overall wellbeing of western Sydney.”
Workers Lifestyle Group Chief Executive Officer, Morgan Stewart said his team is committed to the 2kg Challenge, with the group launching the initiative to its staff and members in the Workers Blacktown Club.
“As Western Sydney Diabetes has shown us, so much can be done to manage Type 2 diabetes by early detection and simple lifestyle changes,” Mr Stewart said.
How do I reduce my risk of diabetes?
A simple change. If you are at risk of diabetes, losing just 2kg can reduce your chance of developing type 2 diabetes by 30%.
You can do this by:
- Regular physical activity
- Making healthy food and drink choices.
Taking the 2kg Challenge can lower your risk of diabetes, improve your physical health, mental health and social well-being, and help you feel more energetic.
And, by joining the 2kg Challenge, you become part of our community and gain access to exclusive offers and events.
