The British Dietetic Association today issued to the following press release:

A recent Foresight report predicted that without immediate action 25% of children will be clinically obese by 2050, but one successful project that has already helped more that 24,000 young people to lose and manage their weight will take centre stage at the British Dietetic Association’s Annual Conference today (17 June).

As the government calls for a whole society approach to tackling the obesity epidemic, Slimming World’s Family Affair programme, which launched in January 2006, is proving to be a hit with 11 to 15 year olds. It provides basic, everyday foods for the whole family and uniquely helps young people adopt healthier eating habits.

Young members wanting to lose weight can access free, non-judgemental or pressurised weekly groups meetings run by Slimming World as well as support from GPs or other health professionals. They work with members to establish appropriate weight management programmes based on making lifestyle changes to prevent weight gain rather than promote weight loss.

Amanda Avery, health partnerships co-ordinator and member of the British Dietetic Association, says: “The focus of our support for under-16s is on behaviour and lifestyle change rather than weight loss. Slimming World has created age-tailored ‘Free2Go’ literature that encourages small changes to eating and activity habits as well as successfully helping young people build self-esteem. Our guidance is specifically designed for health care professionals, our consultants and young members to monitor BMI, weight control targets and progress every three months.

Increasingly, Primary Care Trusts and GP surgeries are setting up Slimming World referral schemes and young people are attending them with their referred parent.

In two areas of the UK, Slimming World has set up specific referral schemes for young people. In collaboration with University Hospital, Walsgrave, a study is recording weight change outcomes of 50 young people referred into Slimming World groups over a 12 week period. In another scheme, set up with Heywood, Middleton & Rochdale PCT, 1500 adults and up to 200 young people are being referred to the Family Affair programme.

Amanda concludes: “Our research shows that the Free2Go lifestyle plan helps teenagers maintain the energy gap that will keep them on a path towards a healthy weight and away from adult obesity by growing into their weight rather than crash dieting or a diet based on calorie-counting.”

For more information about the British Dietetic Association’s Annual Conference click here to visit their website.  Or discover more about Slimming World's Family Affair programme for 11-15 year olds here.