Many people contact us to ask if Food Optimising will fit in with their diabetes – the answer is a resounding YES!  Not only will it fit around the condition – many members tell us that it has helped control it.

Many of our members with diabetes have found their blood glucose levels and general health have improved significantly since Food Optimising and a number also report that they require less medication now they have lost weight. 

“Fourteen months ago I was told by my doctor that I would soon be injecting insulin if I didn't change my eating and drinking habits. Thanks to Food Optimising I now take no medication at all!” From John Ritchie  

A national survey by Slimming World, with more than 5,000 responses from men and women, found that just one month of healthy eating and exercise can lead to dramatic improvements in symptoms and significantly reduce the need for medication.

• 67% of members with diabetes reported an improvement since joining Slimming World
• 4% have been able to stop medication for diabetes, controlling it with diet alone
• 9% have been Slimming World members for just one month. Of these 64% reported an improvement in diabetes. Average weight loss was 8lbs
• 42% have seen an improvement in other health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and mobility difficulties
• 70% are more active since joining Slimming World

www.slimmingworld.com/healthy_eating/motivation_diabetes_week.asp

As with all medical conditions, it is important to follow the medical and dietary advice given by your health care team.

The News of the World this week reported that doctors in the North West are spending twice as much on obesity drugs as they do in the south, with £8.3million spent on diet pills in Manchester and Liverpool in a year. The smallest bill for pills was the South Central Health Authority which spent only £2.6million. The article claims that the NHS is set to spend £50million on obesity drugs this year. 

Is there an alternative?  Yes, yes, yes! 

Slimming World pioneered Slimming World on Referral as a way of working hand in hand with UK health professionals to help manage overweight and obesity from within the heart of local communities. The scheme is designed so that health professionals – from a single GP practice to a local health authority – can buy 12-week Countdown packs at a subsidised cost, while the patient benefits from Slimming World’s expertise and support free of charge. 

Members who are referred to Slimming World by their GP receive a 12 week course that costs just £44.50 – around ⅓ of the price of a 3 month course of anti-obesity drugs and at a fraction of the cost of a stomach stapling operation at around £7,000. People who attend Slimming World on Referral learn how to change the way they eat, become more active and receive the warm and friendly support of a group. They learn how to make the lasting lifestyle changes that will help them lose weight effectively and in the long-term – saving the NHS money and being more effective!  

Dr James Stubbs, research officer at Slimming World says: “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 and keep weight off in the long term.” 

Visit our Real Success section to discover how Slimming World on Referral was just what the doctor ordered for members Patricia and Lyndsey:
 www.slimmingworld.com/real_success/letter_patricia_hart.asp
www.slimmingworld.com/real_success/letter_lyndsey_stanley.asp

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