Don't be left wondering!

It depends on the particular medication you have been prescribed. It is important that you have the support of your doctor and/or psychiatrist. Most likely there is a Cambridge program that is right for you.

The products contain approximately 500 mg of sodium per serving, or approximately 3.8 g of salt per day (if three Cambridge plan products are consumed). If you have been placed on a low-sodium regimen, you should consult a doctor to ensure that sodium intake does not exceed their recommendation.

With your doctor's support you can follow all Cambridge Programs. Periodic thyroid function tests are recommended.

Cambridge programs can now be carefully used by people with type 2 diabetes. The support of the client's or patient's doctor and a specialist nurse is essential. Higher-calorie programs are used at the start, with a gradual reduction depending on the response and medication. Normalising blood glucose levels can prove to be extremely beneficial. On some occasions people with type 1 diabetes can be supported on the Cambridge program when their medication is adjusted and blood glucose monitoring is supervised by healthcare professionals.

Absolutely. Studies have shown that the Cambridge plan can reduce blood cholesterol levels by up to 25% and blood fat (triglycerides) by 40% or more — the reduction appears to be greater in those who start with high levels. When patients return to a normal diet, levels increase again but not as much as at the starting point. There is also evidence that a healthy diet — for example one with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, lean meats, fish (such as salmon, herring, etc.) and unsaturated fats, as in Cambridge Weight Plan — can help control cholesterol levels.

There is nothing in those drinks that could cause harm, and they are certainly more nutritious than many children's drinks, but the products are not designed for children, let alone a 3-year-old. In cases like this you should seek a recommendation from a general practitioner, paediatrician or dietitian.

Diverticulosis is the development of diverticula (small pouches) in the intestine. Diverticulitis is a complication caused by inflammation of a diverticulum. Symptoms can include lower abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, intestinal bleeding and high temperature. Lack of fibre may play a part in the development of this condition, and a high-fibre diet can reduce the rate of complications. Some changes in eating habits can bring about a change in bowel habits. If the Sole Source program is required, six half-portions may be more suitable than three full ones. The 810 or 1000kcal programs would be recommended for their higher fibre content.

Slow digestion can be a side effect of a very low-calorie diet. If there is a history of constipation, it is important to use a natural bulking agent such as fibre products in large amounts as a preventive measure from day one of the diet program. There are also other over-the-counter compounds available; however, carbohydrate content should be checked if you are in a state of ketosis. It must be emphasised that water intake is also vital for maintaining active digestion. If constipation has been a serious problem previously, one of the higher-calorie programs may be the most appropriate. Psyllium products may also be helpful.

Many people with high blood pressure have experienced a reduction in the condition after losing weight. Not only has there been a significant decrease in high blood pressure, but sometimes a reduction in medication has also been necessary. It is very important that these individuals consult their doctor. Following Cambridge Weight Plan can cause water loss in the body. Any artificial diuretic added to the plan could reduce potassium balance and cause dizziness, weakness and fatigue. For this reason, medications with diuretic effects should not be taken simultaneously with Cambridge Weight Plan, except with medical approval.

Yes. You can follow Cambridge Weight Plan as a sole source of nutrition or at a higher energy intake level, as long as your doctor agrees and provides medical consent. The methodology is low in sodium and results in a natural loss of water in the early stages. This, combined with weight reduction, will invariably lower blood pressure, allowing your doctor to adjust the dosage of any anti-hypertension medication. Any medication change must be supervised by a doctor, not by you or the Consultant.

Yes. You can follow Cambridge Weight Plan as a sole source of nutrition or at a higher energy intake level, as long as your doctor agrees and provides medical consent. The methodology is low in sodium and results in a natural loss of water in the early stages. This, combined with weight reduction, will invariably lower blood pressure, allowing your doctor to adjust the dosage of any anti-hypertension medication. Any medication change must be supervised by a doctor, not by you or the Consultant.

People who suffer from gout generally have elevated levels of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricaemia), which can cause sodium urate crystals to be deposited in the joints — an extremely painful condition. Using Cambridge Weight Plan Sole Source can also increase uric acid levels, so if you are susceptible to gout you may be at risk of 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 should provide medical consent and adjust their medication to prevent an attack while using Sole Source.

Many of our products, though not the majority, are suitable for people with coeliac disease. Please visit the Allergies/Intolerances/Alternatives section or consult your Cambridge Consultant.

Some products are not suitable as they may contain peanut oil. Although other products do not contain peanut oil as a separate ingredient, they do contain vegetable oil, and as such there is no absolute guarantee that peanut oil is not present even in a minimal amount. Some products do not contain nuts, but the production facility is not entirely nut-free and there is a slight possibility of cross-contamination. Prepared products do not contain nuts. A peanut allergy can be a life-threatening condition. Those who are extremely sensitive and may suffer anaphylactic shock if exposed to peanuts in any form must check the ingredient list with extreme care. Please see the Special Programs section.

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 that allows milk sugar to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Cambridge Weight Plan contains products with skimmed milk and is therefore not suitable for people with this condition. However, the Cambridge plan is available with a line of drinks made with soy milk. These are suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk. Please see the Special Programs section.

It may help to take six small meals instead of the three regular Cambridge Weight Plan meals, but the ingredients in the plan will not interfere with ulcers or ulcer medication. If you are taking ulcer medication, you need to contact your doctor and obtain medical consent before using the plan.