Obese patients will be sent on cookery courses and to Zumba fitness classes by their GPs as part of a drive to tackle diabetes . Family doctors are being encouraged to target patients most at risk , including those who are seriously overweight . Under the plans , GPs will refer patients to gym classes such as Zumba , aerobics or spinning – intensive cycling – funded by the NHS . Under the plans , GPs will refer patients to gym classes such as Zumba ( pictured ) , aerobics or spinning – intensive cycling – funded by the NHS . People will also be advised to attend cookery courses . People will also be advised to attend cooking sessions teaching them how to poach , boil and grill food instead of frying it . The initiative extends to overweight NHS staff , who will be encouraged to take dieting classes held at hospitals in order to set a good example to patients . Around 3.8million Britons have diabetes . The new scheme will be announced today by NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens , pictured . The figure has doubled in 20 years , mainly due to obesity . The new scheme will be announced today by NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens . In a speech at a London conference hosted by the charity Diabetes UK , he will say : ‘ It ’ s time for the NHS to start practising what we preach . For over a decade we ’ ve known that obesity prevention cuts diabetes and saves lives. ’ The cookery and Zumba classes have been piloted in Bradford . GPs have been pinpointing patients most at risk of diabetes , including the obese . Patients are initially sent to two hour-long sessions at GP practices and community centres which teach them basic tips on healthy eating and losing weight . The advice includes encouraging them to eat baked potatoes rather than chips and grill or boil vegetables instead of frying them . They are then offered vouchers for membership at local gyms . They can also choose to attend cookery classes , specialising in healthy techniques for preparing food , usually held in community centres . Barbara Young , chief executive of Diabetes UK , said : ‘ We feel this prevention programme is hugely significant . 'We hope this will send a clear message that still more needs to be done to help people lead healthy lifestyles . ’
GPs will refer patients to classes such as yoga , cooking or cooking . People will also be sent on courses to learn how to cook healthy foods . Around 3.8 m Britons have diabetes , the rate has doubled in recent years .