At Slimming World, we know that losing weight is about much more than changing what’s on your plate. Research* from the University of Bristol shows that when members make healthy changes, the impact is felt right across the family, helping partners and children build healthier habits too.
Small changes, big family impact
The survey looked at 396 Slimming World members with children aged five to 11 and found that:
- more than two thirds (67 per cent) who were concerned about their child’s weight felt more motivated to support them after addressing their own weight
- almost half (48 per cent) of parents reported healthy improvements in what their child ate after they joined the weight loss programme
- more than a quarter (27 per cent) said their child had become more physically active
Dr Sarah-Elizabeth Bennett, Senior Nutritionist at Slimming World, says : “It’s something we see every week at Slimming World. One person joins looking to improve their own health, and before long the ripple effect spreads through the household. Members making changes themselves help create a healthier home environment naturally. Family meals change, active days out become more common and healthy habits start to feel like a normal part of everyday life.”
How Slimming World works for families
Flexibility is at the heart of the Slimming World plan. We know that, for healthy habits to stick, they must fit in with your everyday life – and that means working for the other members of your household, too.
Our healthy eating plan, Food Optimising, and our active lifestyle programme are built around everyday food and activity. They work perfectly with real life, are fully in line with current guidance and are easily personalised for you and your family. Enjoying a healthy, balanced diet and getting active together will bring brilliant benefits beyond your own lasting weight loss results.
Discover delicious recipes, fun activity ideas and Slimming World support for your family
The real-life ripple effect
The research also explored why parents choose to lose weight and found that their motivations are often deeply personal and family-focused. While improving their health and feeling more confident were the biggest drivers, many also wanted to set a positive example for their children. Having faced challenges with weight and wellbeing themselves, they’re determined to help their children enjoy a healthier, happier future.
Lorraine Jervis-Garner lost 9st 7lbs with Slimming World, and has seen the ripple effect reach three generations of her family. She says;
“I joined Slimming World because I wanted to be a good role model for my three-year-old Ayda. After she was born, I struggled to look after myself. I often skipped meals, relying on custard creams to get me through busy days. I felt frumpy, uncomfortable and completely unlike myself.
My mum, Loretta, asked if I wanted to go with her to group, and that’s when it clicked that healthy food could be delicious. I plan family meals for the week ahead now and cook so much from scratch.
I think people probably assume we’ve always been a healthy and active family, but that’s not the case. I’m so proud to be setting a positive example for Ayda and showing her healthy habits that will stay with her as she grows up.”
Mealtimes made easy
Life’s too busy to be cooking separate meals, so we’ve made sure that our recipe collection includes hundreds of family favourites that everyone (even the fussiest eaters) will love.
With recipes for busy days, days before the ‘big shop’ and days when you’re sticking to a budget – all at your fingertips on the Slimming World app and website – you’ll never be stuck for dinner inspiration again!
Slimming World member Claire Kane has lost 18st 7½lbs, while still sitting down to mealtimes with her family. She says;
“I joined wanting to improve my own health, yet soon my children (Olivia, 9 and Sophie, 6) were enjoying the same tasty healthy meals – like garlic chicken bake or fajitas, and we’re always out at the park together as everyone has more energy.
My Slimming World group has had a big role in that. The support from everyone – sharing ideas, encouragement and their own real-life experiences, helped me make these small habit changes.”
Slimming World’s Family Affair
Our Family Affair booklet is packed with practical advice to help the whole family to make healthier changes that last – including:
- the differences to keep in mind as you shop, cook and eat as a family
- family-favourite recipe makeovers to get everyone eating well together
- tried-and-tested ways to exercise and get active as a family or individually
When you join Slimming World, you can pick up the booklet for free in group.
Join the Slimming World family
At Slimming World, we’re committed to giving you the help you need every week of the year – and you’re more than welcome to bring your children, too. Come along to group to meet like-minded mums and dads and get more family-friendly recipe and activity ideas, plus advice for slimming through those tricky school breaks, days out and special occasions. You’ll also find lots of family-focused support on Slimming World Online, our digital service, which you can log on to whenever it suits you.