Weight loss test kit

A weight loss blood test can help you understand important health markers which may have an impact on your weight.

Our weight loss blood test can help to check:

• cholesterol – a type of fat in your blood
• HbA1c – a measure of blood sugar, used to check for prediabetes and diabetes

To use the weight loss blood test kit, all you need to do is collect a simple blood sample using the easy to use finger prick (lancet) and follow the instructions included in your kit and in our quick guide.

Once your blood has been collected into the tube provided in your kit and you send it off to our lab, it will then be tested to see if the fat in your blood is too high (cholesterol indicators) and to calculate your average sugar levels over the past few months (HbA1c). After your results, your doctor can then explain your next steps.

HbA1c and cholesterol can often go hand in hand with weight fluctuations, including weight loss. Here is an overview of HbA1c and cholesterol, how they work, and what they mean for your health:

HbA1C

HbA1c is a blood test that checks for diabetes. It measures a protein in your red blood cells that sugar can attach to called glycated haemoglobin. When your body can’t use blood sugar properly, more sugar sticks to these cells.

A high HbA1c level means there’s too much sugar in your blood. This can be a sign of diabetes and, over time, may increase the risk of health issues, and weight gain.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is made by your liver and is also found in some high-fat foods. It helps your body produce vitamin D and bile, and can help support your cells to work properly. Being overweight can increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, which is not good for your heart.

There are two main types of cholesterol:

1. HDL (high-density lipoprotein): the ‘good’ cholesterol. This carries cholesterol back to your liver to be broken down.
2. LDL (low-density lipoprotein): the ‘bad’ cholesterol. This can build up in your arteries, and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Our cholesterol test looks at all the fats in your blood, including triglycerides, another type of fat made by your liver. High triglyceride levels, like high cholesterol, can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.

Testing your cholesterol and HbA1c lets you see what’s happening inside your body and helps your doctor decide on the best next steps.

A weight loss test kit is for anyone with a BMI over 30 or who is considering weight loss treatment. It helps you check your cholesterol and HbA1c (blood sugar) levels, track your health, and understand how your weight may affect your risk of heart disease and diabetes.

High risk groups

You may have a higher chance of developing high cholesterol levels if you:

• have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease
• are a man, men are more at risk of high cholesterol than women
• are menopausal, women’s risk of high cholesterol increases during the menopause
• are over 50
• do not exercise
• are overweight or obese
• smoke
• have diabetes
• consume alcohol excessively
• have an underactive thyroid
• take steroids
• are of South Asian or sub-Saharan African origin
• have an unhealthy diet (consume saturated and trans fats frequently)

You may have a higher chance of developing high blood sugar and diabetes (HbA1c) if you:

• are overweight or obese
• do not exercise very often, or at all
• eat a diet high in processed foods, fats, and sugars
• have a family history of diabetes or a close relative who has diabetes (parent, sibling, or other relative)
• have certain other medical conditions, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• are over 45
• have
• are of South Asian, African-Caribbean, or Black African descent
• have a history of gestational diabetes during pregnancy

Why should I get tested?

Taking a test to get a reading for your blood sugar and cholesterol levels can help you identify and better understand issues, which may help you take the best next step for your health. If you’re overweight or obese, checking your cholesterol and HbA1c (blood sugar) can be especially important. High blood sugar or cholesterol can lead to other health problems, and your doctor may recommend further tests or treatment.

Your test kit should include:

• 3 lancets
• 2 collection tubes
• 1 antiseptic wipe

All Asda Online Doctor tests are designed to be taken easily at home. Just follow the instructions in your kit.

Taking your test, step by step:

1. Wash your hands with soap and lukewarm water, then dry them completely.
2. Clean your fingertip with the swab provided. We recommend the middle or ring finger on your non-dominant hand. Let it dry before you start.
3. Get your lancet ready by twisting off the purple cap. Place it in the centre of your fingertip and press the button.
4. Wipe away the first drop of blood. Tilt your finger down and gently massage the sides to form a new drop.
5. Collect your blood in the two tubes, filling both to the top line. If needed, use another lancet on a different finger.
6. Cover your finger with the plaster provided.
7. Seal and label your tubes so the lab can identify your test. Place them in the protective wallet and then into the prepaid envelope.
8. Send your samples to our UK-based lab using the free postage.

If you have any questions about how to take your test, you should get in touch with our patient care team or submit a question via your patient account.

Navigate your next steps informed with our overview on what your results might mean, and what to do next.

If your results are within the normal range, no further action is needed. If you already have diabetes, discuss your HbA1c result with your GP to review your management plan.

If your results suggest prediabetes (42–47 mmol/mol) or diabetes, contact your GP as soon as possible and share your results. If you’ve given us permission, we can send your results to your GP for you. If you would like weight loss support, we can also offer treatment through our weight loss service.

If your cholesterol levels are high, make an appointment with your GP. They can check your cardiovascular risk and decide if you need treatment, such as a statin.

Your Asda Online Doctor will give personalised guidance based on your results. If you want support with weight loss, we can also offer treatment through our weight loss service.

You can expect results within 2 to 3 working days after your sample reaches our partner laboratory. This is how long it takes them to process the sample.

Your results will always be sent privately via your patient account, you will never receive them via text or email to protect confidentiality.