Publications

Stubbs, J., Whybrow, S. and Lavin, J. 2010. Dietary lifestyle measures to enhance satiety and weight control. Nutrition Bulletin 35: 113-125.

Energy density should be the cornerstone of dietary weight reduction strategies because it allows people to develop lasting eating habits based on more satiating foods. This should be integrated with a package of dietary behaviour changes including reduced fat, energy density, sugars and salt, increased fibre, protein and water content of foods.
Practical approaches to weight management should be focused on a combined behavioural weight loss and maintenance strategies, including, coping strategies, relapse prevention, social & emotional support, the tools to cope with small lapses and physical activity.
Research shows people can navigate to a healthy weight if they can access the right tools, continuing care, guidance and social support to achieve sustainable lifestyle change and avoid relapse.

Pallister, C., Avery, A., Stubbs, J. and Lavin, J. 2009. Influence of Slimming World’s lifestyle programme on diet, activity behaviour and health of participants and their families. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics. 24(4), pp351-358.

Survey of the impact of Slimming World on diet, activity and health in people accessing Slimming World resources and their families.

This paper investigates how the diet, activity levels and health of people accessing Slimming World has changed since either joining Slimming World or beginning to access its magazine and/or website.
It was found that people following Slimming World’s dietary plan report: that they now make healthier food choices; that they are now being more physically active; and that 80% feel that their health has improved. Not only did health and physical activity of those accessing Slimming World improve, but also that of their partners and children.
The Slimming World dietary and physical activity programmes appear to beneficially impact on the diet and activity levels of those accessing the service and of their families.
To access the questionnaire used in this survey click here...

Lavin J.H, Avery A, Whitehead S.M, Rees E, Parsons J, Bagnall T, Barth J.H. & Ruxton C.H.S. 2006. Feasibility and benefits of implementing a Slimming on Referral service in primary care using a commercial weight management partner. Public Health. 120(9), pp872-881.

Initial evaluation of Slimming World on Referral. Click here to view our poster on the impact of Slimming World on Referral on weight-loss. (PDF download)

This paper investigated the use of referral of patients, by primary care practitioners, to Slimming World groups, to ascertain whether use of this intervention for weight loss is beneficial and feasible.
It was found that a collaboration of this kind, between NHS and Slimming World, is a feasible weight management option that is similar to, or better than, other options in terms of attrition, efficacy and cost.

Bye C, Avery A. & Lavin J. 2005. Tackling obesity in men – preliminary evaluation of men only groups within a commercial slimming organisation. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics. 18(5),
pp391-394.

Evaluation of weight loss of men in Slimming World men only groups.

This paper investigates the weight loss of men in single sex Slimming World groups and found that they can have successful weight loss in this environment.
It was found that an overwhelming majority of men (91%) attending a Slimming World group for 12 weeks or more lose a clinically significant amount of weight (at least 5%, with 34% achieving a 10% loss). The mean weight loss was 9.2%.

Tod A.M. & Lacey A. 2004. Overweight and obesity: Helping clients to take action. The British Journal of Community Nursing. 9(2).

Patients’ experiences of Slimming World and how this relates to the promotion of weight loss by NHS professionals.

This qualitative paper details experiences, thoughts and emotions that lead a person to the decision to lose weight and barriers to taking action.
This paper shows that there are many factors that affect why someone chooses to lose weight and their barriers to doing so, with self-esteem and confidence being the most affected by being overweight.
The limitations of the NHS mean that patients may not receive the support they require to move through the stages of change, improve their self-esteem and have a successful weight loss. Partnership working with a slimming organisation, such as Slimming World, may help to make more efficient use of NHS resources.