The Daily Telegraph are today reporting that an ‘Obesity gene’ boosts appetite (see pg8).  It reports that scientists have discovered a gene linked to obesity works by increasing the appetite. A study of more than 3,000 children, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism shows that those who had the gene – called FTO – were less likely to feel ‘full’ after eating than their classmates. People with two copies of the gene are on average 7lb heavier, and those with one gene are 3lb heavier than those without the gene.

Our research specialist, Dr James Stubbs, comments: “While your genes determine your biological makeup, it’s the environment that you live in and your lifestyle habits which determine the weight you gain. Only in a very minute number of cases can a genetic reason be found as the cause for weight gain. If you were found to have the gene variation, the advice would be to change your behaviour by eating healthily and doing regular exercise.

“As always Slimming World’s message is that the key to successful and long-term weight loss and maintenance is to make healthy habits a part of your everyday lifestyle. Research has also shown that the support that you receive at a Slimming World group plays a key role in boosting your confidence to make the changes”.

Shared eating and lifestyle habits which are passed down from parents to children have a much bigger effect on weight gain than biological make-up. There are the lucky few who don’t gain weight as easily, but the good news for those of us who do gain weight is that through Food Optimising, Image Therapy and Body Magic Slimming World offers all the support and techniques we need to help us to change our behaviour and lead a healthier lifestyle – whatever our genetic makeup!  And, of course, with Free Food - healthy, filling everyday foods - even the largest appetites can be satisfied without the worry of weight gain.

James joined Slimming World after 13 years at the Rowett Research Institute where he was Principle Scientific Officer. While there he conducted large-scale human trials into weight control and obesity.  Read James’ biography here.

Sunday 13th July saw our biggest ever Man of the Year semi-finals! 86 amazing men, representing our 5,500 groups and 300,000 members, joined together in a massive celebration of their success.

On top of their fabulous weight losses, our 86 men have added years to their lives, some have probably saved their lives, and all of them are looking forward to a healthier, more active future with their friends and families.

You may have already seen our fabulous winner on yesterday’s Channel 5 news and in today’s Daily Star and Daily Mail.  He’s lost a sensational 15st 2lbs in two and a half years and reduced his 60” waist to a trim 34”!  Slimming World’s Man of the Year 2008 is Brian Semple who attended Linda Booker's group in Rochester, Kent!

Brian described his journey as ‘a 15st success story that saved my life’. He explained: ‘My weight loss has been down to the food that I eat and the people I’ve met. My GP thinks I’m a new man. In fact every aspect of my life has improved. I even enjoy the Can-Can – I can enjoy food, I can exercise every day, I can live life to the full. I can do anything!’

You’ll be able to find out just how Brian did it from Monday in our Real Success section

On last night’s F Word, Janet Street-Porter was on a mission – to turn the British public from a nation of smoothie-slurpers to fresh-fruit munchers! As Janet pointed out, we drink literally tons of the stuff in the belief that we’re being ‘healthy’, whereas in fact, these tempting little drinks can add a lot of extra calories - and sugar - to your diet (more than a can of fizzy pop in many cases!) without filling you up.

It’s something Slimming World members have known for years. With Food Optimising, Slimming World's healthy eating plan, whole fruit (including bananas, oranges and grapes) can be eaten in unlimited quantities, while juiced, cooked, pureed/mashed, stewed or blended fruit can be eaten in measured amounts as Syns. That’s because we know that altering the composition of fruit makes it very easy to over-consume in a short space of time.  It’s an all too easy way of adding a lot of extra energy, without adding the filling, bulky fibre needed to fill your stomach and satisfy your appetite. 

Think about the time it takes to eat an apple and compare it to the time it takes to drink an apple-worth of juice.  That’s why Food Optimisers reach for the fruit bowl first!

For more information about the fabulous freedom of Food Optimising visit our healthy eating section.

The August/September issue of Slimming World magazine is on sale now!  Don’t miss your complete summer slimming survival guide, neatly packaged into 120 inspiration-packed pages:

Runaway success. Discover how keen runner Lyndsay Zemeiksas lost 5st 12lbs to put her life back on track.  Plus how cover girl Kirsty Wilcox has stayed at her size 10 target for six years!

7-day ‘beach countdown’ eating plan. Follow our super-filling menus for just one week and slip into your swimming cossie with confidence.

A-Z of holiday slimming. Don’t let the annual sunshine break sabotage your weight-loss success. Stay in control on your summer hols with our guide to sun, sea and Syns.

A taste of Italy. Tuck into seven classic Mediterranean dishes – high on colour and flavour, low in Syns. Plus the perfect Slimming World summer pudding, and portable picnic recipes for a delicious day out.

Exercise and the busy mum. Get fit and have fun with your little ones – at the same time! Our easy, family-friendly exercises from top fitness expert and mum, Peta Bee, are perfect when you’re pushed for time.

Visit http://www.slimmingworldmagazine.co.uk/ for more!