Slimming World parliamentary drop-in showcases evidence-based approach to healthy weight loss
Slimming World, the UK and Ireland’s most advanced and effective weight management programme, recently held a parliamentary drop-in, supported by the APPG on Obesity, highlighting how Slimming World members are able to adopt healthy lifestyles in line with key government priorities around diet, the NHS, economic growth and harder to reach communities.
Slimming World welcomed cross-party parliamentarians, health professionals and industry experts to learn about Slimming World’s evidence-based approach to healthy weight loss and to meet Slimming World members who have turned their lives around by improving their health, fitness and wellbeing.
The parliamentary drop-in showcased how Slimming World group and online members are effectively supported throughout their weight loss journey to eat a more balanced diet, achieve physical activity goals and understand the behavioural changes needed to maintain a healthy weight for life.
The event included discussions and demonstrations on the unique elements that make up Slimming World’s member support programme, including the role of the self-employed franchisee Consultants, and Slimming World on Referral, a partnership scheme between the NHS and Slimming World which provides eligible patients with effective, long-lasting, community-based weight loss support.
Elise Wells, Director at Slimming World, says: “It was a pleasure to hold the parliamentary drop-in session and talk to MPs and industry experts about the work we do to support people. Every week we support and encourage 700,000 members to lose weight and get more active in line with government guidelines, both in the heart of their communities and through our online service.
“The event enabled guests to hear first-hand from our members about their weight-loss journeys, highlighting the success they’ve had following the weight-loss programme and developing new healthy habits for life. Our Consultants were able to talk guests through their experience as a Slimming World member, as well as their transition to becoming a self-employed Consultant and helping others improve their wellbeing.”
Mary Glindon MP and Director at Slimming World, Elise Wells
Mary Glindon MP, Chair of the APPG on Obesity, said: “As Chair of the APPG on Obesity, I was delighted to host a Slimming World drop-in session in Parliament.
“It was great to meet with some members and also learn about the work that Slimming World is doing across our local communities, working with health professionals and local authorities to support people who they feel would benefit from adopting a healthy eating plan, which they commit to for a healthy life.”
Maggie Throup MP meets Slimming World member Dave Winchester
Maggie Throup MP, an APPG on Obesity Officer and former member of the Health and Social Care Committee, added: “It was good to meet so many people at the Slimming World event who have found success through the programme. It’s not just about losing weight, it’s whole lifestyle changes, with people telling me they can now be more active.
“More importantly it was about the impact on the whole family, doing activities together and creating great bonds. The Department for Health’s Eatwell Plate, a basis for getting a balanced diet and portion control, aligns with Slimming World programme.”
Joe Thompson, 35, was once left mortified after being unable to fasten his seatbelt on a rollercoaster and, has since lost 5 stone 3.5lbs attended the event to share his weight-loss journey with guests. Joe says: “It was an honour to represent Slimming World at the Parliamentary drop-in session. Any time I’m asked to express how Slimming World has changed my life, I do it gladly.
“It was a surreal experience talking to MPs about all aspects of the mental and physical transformation that happens when you become a Slimming World member. Before joining, I would never have had the confidence to take part in an event like this or to speak to politicians about my health. Now I’m so proud to talk about how my life has changed. After years of yo-yo dieting, I’ve finally found a way to live healthily, for the long term.”
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