Behavioural change

This is a very important and integral part of the Slimming World group approach. The aim is to ensure that group members feel empowered to make self-determined long-term lifestyle changes and it is recognised that this is dependent on increasing members' self-esteem and confidence in their ability to make these changes.

Our group approach, Individual Motivation And Group Experience (IMAGE) Therapy, provides help to lift members out of a spiral of overweight, poor health and low self esteem. Using advanced psychological and behavioural modification tools in a motivating group setting:

• we address behavioural goals for healthy eating and exercise, recognising and overcoming obstacles to healthy food choice
• we share practical skills and solutions, ideas for eating out and menu planning, overcoming psychological barriers to successful weight control, and negotiating individual action plans
• we provide behavioural support planning to help members implement effective long-term changes to eating habits and lifestyle

Praise and recognition of progress is a fundamental part of the Slimming World group approach. Members are praised on a weekly basis for meeting their self-determined action targets, including changes to diet and activity levels. A number of reward mechanisms are in place. For example regular awards are given for different levels of weight loss achievement. An award and free week is offered on achieving and maintaining a 10% weight loss. When a member achieves their personal (self-selected) target weight and remains within ± 3lbs of this weight they are able to continue attending at no cost.