Slimming World’s Greatest Loser 2008 will be revealed today at a dazzling lunchtime event at Kensington's Rooftop Gardens, London.  The competition is open to members of Slimming World groups from across the UK and is awarded to the entrant with the greatest weight loss, provided some of that weight loss has occurred within the last 12 months with Slimming World.

And, although we can't yet reveal our fabulous winner, tune in to BBC1's  One Show tonight at 7pm to hear their amazing story of weight loss success or visit our blog tomorrow to discover more!

Midwives at University Hospital Wales in Cardiff are working with Slimming World in a study to help women who are classified obese to become healthier during pregnancy.

There’s clear evidence that pregnant women with a BMI of over 30 are at increased risk of developing complications when pregnant and during childbirth. Obesity increases the risk of maternal death in pregnancy and also restricts the choices available to women who are increasingly having to give birth in very high-tech environments, putting them at a greater risk of caesarean section.

Women who attend the hospital’s antenatal clinic and have a BMI above 30 are offered vouchers to attend Slimming World groups. The focus is not on weight loss but on encouraging women to adopt a healthier lifestyle during pregnancy.

A clinical trial will work with over 200 overweight pregnant women with the aim of preventing further unnecessary weight gain during pregnancy. Other health indicators are being monitored, including general well being, babies’ birth weights and indices of pre-eclampsia and caesarean section.

“Slimming World’s approach supports women to make lifestyle changes for the future – it’s not about a quick fix or faddy diet,” says Karen Jewell, the lead midwife on the study.

Margaret Miles-Bramwell, founder and chair of Slimming World, celebrated her 60th birthday in style last weekend at the Alton Towers Hotel.

In a diamond-themed surprise evening, organised by Margaret’s daughter Claire Brackenbury and company buyer Pam James, guests were treated to a special version of “This is Your Life” hosted by ‘King of the Jungle’ Christopher Biggins!

Guests watched live via satellite as Margaret had the ‘Big Red Book’ presented to her at Callow Hall, then table entertainers kept the guests entertained while the entourage arrived for the ‘Bigg’ event!

Christopher Biggins welcomed key figures from Margaret’s life to the stage, including one of her first teachers from New Street Junior School, Margaret Greasley, and school friends, one of whom she hadn’t seen since she was 18, before presenting her with the famous red book.

Entertainment included artist John Hicks, Judge the Poet and sensational singers Ooh James, and the evening culminated at midnight with a laser light and fire spectacular!

It was the first city in America to ban trans-fats from food outlets. Now New York has set another US first - from today, larger food chains such as McDonald's, Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks must display the calories of their products on menus. The new rules apply to all chains with at least 15 outlets across the country - which in the case of New York accounts for 2,000 restaurants. The city authorities say the reform will help New Yorkers get a better sense of what they are eating as part of the ongoing battle against obesity and diabetes.

Good news for calorie counters – but of course, Slimming World members don’t have to weigh, measure or count with our liberating, flexible healthy eating plan!  And with ongoing group support – sharing ideas for healthy eating out and eating in options that the whole family will enjoy  - AND our brand new Food Directory – giving members the low-down on healthy choices when eating out – weight loss without calorie counting is well and truly on the menu!

If you spotted Neil King's amazing weight loss story in The Mirror or on Sky last week, you'll have heard how he lost almost 10st enjoying a bevy of baked beans - Free Food when Food Optimising!  The dad of four joined his local Slimming World group after hearing that his weight was putting him at risk of bowel cancer. 

Slimming World's Dietician Carolyn Bye says 'We are really pleased with the 9 stone weight loss Neil King has achieved. Slimming World's healthy eating programme Food Optimising is a uniquely liberating eating plan, based on proven science and psychology.

Our healthy eating plan puts people in control and helps them lose weight by eating unlimited amounts of a variety of healthy-yet-filling everyday foods, such as pasta, potatoes, lean meats, and plenty of fruit and vegetables, while also enjoying a little of what they fancy."

Discover the variety, generosity and results for yourself, with our fabulous 7-day menu - available for free right here: www.slimmingworld.com/healthy_eating/free_trial_menu.aspx 

Members of Liz Kaye’s St. Alban’s group bared all this week on Channel 4’s ‘How to Look Good Naked’.  Liz revealed: “We met Gok, were pampered with makeovers, enjoyed lunch… and then disrobed!  Having a photo taken without your clothes on is very scary but we were all in the same position and the whole team were all really caring and supportive. We had a brilliant time.”

Pictured with Gok are (left to right): Maggie, Liz, Julia, Lorna, Donna, Joanna and Andie who together have lost almost 23 stones at their St. Alban’s Slimming World group.

The May/June issue is heading your way! And it’s packed with early summer slimming know-how. Here are just some of the things you can look forward to:

• ‘We sailed through our 13-stone weight loss’. And reading Michelle and Andy Smith’s story is sure to send you sailing towards your own target, too. Plus how cover girl Lesley Meehan lost 3st 10lbs to be a slim and sexy new mum.

• 7-day ‘easy-slim’ eating plan. Our easy-to-follow Food Optimising menus have a fresh new look – with the same brilliant weight loss-boosting results.

• I’ll do it when I’m slim. Your needn’t wait until they reach your ideal size to fulfil your true potential – this feature will give you the confidence to try new things now.

• Pick of the season. 7 sensational suppers that make the most of the best British ingredients. Plus feeding a Food Optimising family for a fiver and super Sunday brunch ideas.

• The beginners’ guide to yoga. A 20-minute stretching programme that even your most fitness-phobic members won’t be able to resist! Plus the chance to win a free yoga CD.

The new issue of Slimming World magazine is available in group on the 25th March and on a newsstand near you on the 3rd April.  Don’t miss it!

Almost half of Brits aren’t aware that being overweight increases the risk of cancer, a 2000-strong poll by the World Cancer Research Fund suggests.  Because, when overweight, losing as little as 10% of your body weight and maintaining that loss starts to bring really worthwhile health benefits – including reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease and stroke – we recognize that goal with a Club 10 award. Maintaining that weight loss – or losing more – is rewarded by a free week! 

Discover more about the many health benefits weight loss can lead to by visiting our Club 10 page here