There is nothing in the Cambridge Weight Plan that would interfere with depression therapy. It is important, however, that any diet you undergo be supervised very carefully by your doctor or psychiatrist.

The Cambridge Weight Plan contains approximately 500 mg of sodium per serving, or approximately 1,500 mg salt per day. A doctor should be consulted if the dieter has been placed on a low sodium diet, to make sure that the sodium intake is not in excess of the doctor's recommendation.

The Cambridge Weight Plan is compatible with all standard thyroid procedures, but I would recommend consulting your doctor before starting any diet.

Many of my colleagues have found that by changing from three Cambridge Weight Plan meals per day, to six mini meals the dieter's caloric intake is controlled. We have seen great success with diabetic patients using the Cambridge Weight Plan . Diabetics are cautioned, however, not to embark on any diet programme without first consulting their physician. Those who have Diabetes Type 1 and are taking insulin are contraindicated.

Hypoglycemia is the opposite of diabetes. Low blood sugar often results from poor nutrition. The Cambridge Weight Plan made into six mini meals per day does an excellent job of keeping the blood sugar level in hypoglycaemic people.

No problem. Studies have shown that using the Cambridge Weight Plan as the sole source of nutrition cuts levels of blood cholesterol by an average of 25% and blood fats by an average of 40% - the reduction seems to be greatest in those with initial high levels. When patients returned to a normal diet levels rose again, but not as high as before. There is also some evidence that, following weight loss, ongoing use of the Weight Plan as part of a healthy diet, ie with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, cereals, lean meat, oily fish (eg salmon, herring, mackerel, etc), and unsaturated fats, could also help control cholesterol levels.

Over the years many a Consultant's child or grandchild has enjoyed Cambridge Weight Plan as a delicious milkshake drink. There is nothing in it that will cause harm and it is certainly more nutritious than many children's drinks. A half a portion at a time is enough for a small child, with a total of one whole Weight Plan per day. This will probably be as much as she can drink and it would be a shame to waste it; and the level of nutrients will not be so concentrated. The same goes for lactose-free Cambridge Weight Plan which is available in selected flavours.

Diverticulosis is the development of diverticula (small sacs) in the bowel. Diverticulitis is a complication produced by inflammation of the diverticula. Symptoms can include bloating, pain in the lower abdomen, and changes in bowel habits. Lack of fibre may play a part in the development of this condition and a high fibre diet might reduce the incidence of complications. So how does dieting affect the condition? With any change in eating habits a change in bowel habits can follow. No two people are the same and there is no telling whether Cambridge will help or not. Initially, try six half portions. Or, try the higher-fibre 790 kcal programme.

Natural bulking agents should be used in the preparation week to ensure there are no existing problems at the start of the weight loss process. A change of eating habits will almost inevitably cause a change in bowel habits for everyone. 'Fibre 89' is a very effective natural bulking agent available only from Cambridge Health Plan. There are other over-the-counter remedies but it is becoming more difficult to obtain products that do not have added carbohydrate - which would undermine the 'Sole Source' programme. 'Fibre 89' is very economic - a 125g tub provides 40 servings. It is also very versatile as it can be mixed in any drink, hot or cold, and its presence remains undetected.

Many people with high blood pressure have experienced extremely positive results taking the Cambridge Weight Plan for weight-loss. Not only has there been a significant drop in blood pressure, but also a normalization which allowed a decrease in medication previously required. It is very important that these people consult their doctors, especially if they are taking medication. The Cambridge Weight Plan, taken as a sole source of nutrition, will itself cause water loss. Any artificial diuretics added to the diet could seriously deplete your potassium balance and cause dizziness, weakness and fatigue. For this reason, medication having a diuretic effect should not be taken concurrently with the Cambridge Weight Plan except with the approval of a doctor.

Yes. You can take the Cambridge Weight Plan as a Sole Source of nutrition providing that your doctor agrees and signs the Medical Record Form. The Weight Plan is low in sodium, and results in a natural water loss in the early stages. This - along with your weight loss - will invariably reduce blood pressure so your doctor may decide to adjust the dosage of any anti-hypertensive medication. Changes in medication must be supervised by a doctor - not by yourself or your Consultant. If you maintain your weight loss and take regular exercise, this could be a real possibility for you.

Arthritis is a degenerative disease affecting the weight-bearing joints. The Cambridge Weight Plan is not a "cure", but losing excess weight helps relieve symptoms. Where attacks are triggered or aggravated by food allergies, the Cambridge Weight Plan makes an ideal exclusion Weight Plan to follow while rogue foods are identified. A lighter body puts less strain on the joints and some patients find they need less of their anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate the symptoms. But be careful, the joy of having less pain can make you more active, which in turn may aggravate the joints again!

Gout sufferers generally have raised blood levels of uric acid (hyperuricaemia) which can cause crystals of sodium urate to be deposited in the joints - an extremely painful condition. Using the Cambridge Weight Plan as a Sole Source of nutrition may also raise uric acid levels, so if you are susceptible to gout, you could risk triggering an attack, particularly during the first few days of your diet. Anyone with a history of gout should be warned of this possibility and their doctor must sign the Medical Record Form and adjust their medication to prevent an attack while on 'Sole Source'

Yes. Coeliac disease means sufferers cannot tolerate the gluten found in wheat, oats, rye and barley. The Cambridge Weight Plan drinks and bars are all gluten-free.

The chocolate coated bars are not suitable but all the diet drinks and soups are. The presence of peanut oil is listed in the ingredients on the wrappers of all the bars except Chocolate. Although the Chocolate flavour bar does not have peanut oil as a separate ingredient, it does contain vegetable oil, and as such there is no absolute guarantee that peanut oil may not be present even in a minute amount. Peanut allergy can be life threatening. Those that are extremely sensitive and at serious risk of anaphylactic shock if exposed to peanut in any form are extremely scrupulous about checking ingredients. A Cambridge Consultant should be able to advise them correctly.

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose (milk sugar) and is caused by a deficiency of lactase - an enzyme released by the small intestine which allows milk sugar to be absorbed into the blood stream. The Cambridge Weight Plan has a skimmed-milk base and is therefore not suitable for those with this condition. However, a small range of Cambridge Weight Plan drinks made with soy milk is available on request. These are suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or who have a milk allergy.

On the contrary, the Cambridge Weight Plan is easily digested, and reports indicate that it has a very soothing effect on the stomach. Some people swear that the Cambridge Diet drinks have reduced their symptoms drastically. It may be necessary to take six mini meals per day instead of the three regular Cambridge Weight Plan meals, but the ingredients in the Cambridge Weight Plan will not interfere with ulcers or ulcer medication. If you are on medication for ulcers, be sure to contact your doctor before going on any diet.