Once a female-only market, slimming clubs have been steadily gate-crashed over the years by member’s husbands, boyfriends and sons, who have proven that they are indeed better slimmers.  Data from our Slimming World on Referral* scheme shows that men’s weight loss is on average 23% greater than women during the 12 week referral period!

Dr Jacquie Lavin, Slimming World Nutritionist said, “Men tend to have a more muscle mass than women do and, as muscle uses up energy, it means that men often lose weight a little faster than women. Men often see very good weight losses in the first few weeks, which motivates them to carry on and they often reach targets quicker than women.

“Men also tend to be focused when they start on a healthy eating plan especially when they joining a slimming club that’s full of women. And they tend to feel less social pressure than women feel and have fewer negative feelings about previous diets they may have tried.”

Success is made easy for male dieters at Slimming World.  We understand that curry, chips and beer are the things men hate giving up most – and the good news is that with Slimming World they don’t have to.

46 year old consultant Chris Nicholls, who runs a 44-strong male class in Mid-Glamorgan, believes some of his members could definitely give any female dieter a run for their money.

“Since I started running the class 21 months ago, the total weight loss of my members so far has been an amazing 334 stone. Our members range from 24 – 60 years of age, and are lorry drivers, office workers, builders or are retired. I lost 10 stone myself with Slimming World, before becoming a Consultant to help others.

“Life can get quite competitive with my members and their wives and girlfriends, some of whom also attend other Slimming World groups. Male slimmers have fantastic motivation, and are able to channel their energy to achieving their weight loss goal.

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

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.