Managing Director Caryl Richards’ response to the first over-the-counter slimming pill, Alli, going on sale was published online in Medical News Today. "Doling out pills for weight loss is not a solution to obesity," Caryl told the health news website. "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 people receive at a Slimming World group plays a key role in boosting self-esteem and confidence to make the changes and keep weight off in the long term. Plus Slimming World offers a more cost-effective solution at just £4.50 per week without any unpleasant side-effects."

You can read the full article - and rate it - here.

This is the 10th year that a Slimming World team will be taking on the 26.2 mile challenge in the Flora London Marathon next weekend (26th April) to raise money for SMILES – SMILES stands for SLIMMERS MAKING IT a LITTLE EASIER for SOMEONE. During 2009 all Slimming World’s fundraising efforts will go to raising money for the NSPCC’s Child’s Voice Appeal. Every single penny we raise will go towards helping the charity transform Childline and the NSPCC Helpline to answer many more calls for help.

Slimming World’s marathon team are: Kathryn Briggs and Paul Siddall from Head Office, Consultant Jo Gregory from Derbyshire, and members Lindsey Bellis from North Wales, Tracey Paveley (see photo below) from London, Iain Bullock from Somerset.

Anyone who’d like to pledge to the marathon team’s fundraising can do so via www.justgiving.com/paulsiddall