The conversation around weight loss injections (GLP-1 medications) is showing no sign of slowing, with constant noise around the subject in the media and online. At Slimming World, we know that the key to achieving a long-lasting weight loss result is having the tools and ongoing support to make healthy lifestyle changes that last.
Our friendly local groups – and our digital service, Slimming World Online – are welcoming, judgement-free, and here to support you no matter what your own personal weight loss journey looks like. We have the experience, expertise and infrastructure to help anyone who’s looking to make lasting changes and lose weight. Carolyn Pallister, Slimming World’s head of nutrition, research and health, shares more about our approach:
“At Slimming World, we have complete confidence in our tried, trusted, evidence-based methods. They’ve helped millions of people lose weight, and live a healthier, happier life. We also recognise that the new generation of drugs are an important innovation within the weight management industry.
“Research has shown that the GLP-1 medications do aid weight loss, but they’re not a magic bullet, and they certainly aren’t for everyone. Some people won’t be medically eligible to take them, they don’t work for everyone, and there are many people who won’t want to use a weight loss medication.”
Our own recent research* found that 69 per cent of adults surveyed would be unlikely to take weight loss drugs. Of those, 25 per cent say they don’t want to change the way they eat, drink and socialise; 21 per cent worried they wouldn’t be getting the nutrition they need for good health; and 20 per cent say they love their food too much.
At Slimming World, our healthy eating plan encourages members to eat tasty, real food that fits around their lifestyle, so they can enjoy meals together as a family or with friends. A separate survey of our own members found that 89 per cent love losing weight while getting all the nutrients they need, and 76 per cent feel proud that they’re passing on healthy habits to their families.
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Carolyn continues: “There’s also growing acknowledgement that, even with weight loss medications, long-term changes around food, drink and activity are still essential for weight maintenance. A recent study** from the University of Oxford highlighted that when people stop taking weight loss drugs, if they don’t maintain a healthy lifestyle, they typically regain some of the weight they lost within a year – with full weight regain expected in under two years. As the UK’s leading weight management organisation, specialising in behaviour change, we’re in a unique position to offer on-going support to people taking these medications, for lasting results.
“Deciding to lose weight – whether that’s with medication, surgery, a slimming club or any other method – takes courage, determination and commitment, and we’re passionate about helping anyone who’s struggling with their weight and needs the support, expertise and motivation to make lasting changes to their lifestyle. If you’re taking weight loss medication, please rest assured that you’ll be warmly welcomed to your local Slimming World group – with absolutely no judgement.
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“Because we offer personalised group support, we encourage members who are taking weight loss medications to share that with their Consultant, and ideally their fellow members, too. This means that we can ensure they’re getting the additional guidance needed to ensure a healthy, nutritionally-balanced diet, that they’re not losing their lean muscle – a risk with rapid weight loss through taking GLP-1 drugs – and being supported each week, like every other member.
“It’s very easy to believe that this new generation of drugs are the holy grail and that they’ll see rates of obesity reducing. However, it’s important to remember that they’re a short-term medical intervention with many unpleasant potential side effects. To help people on medication to maintain their weight loss long term, the support to make sustainable healthy changes to what they eat and drink and to become more active is essential. That’s something we’ve been doing at Slimming World for 55 years and will continue to do.”
Read more:
Why Slimming World support is key to successful weight loss
Slimming World’s Joe Thompson shares his thoughts on weight loss injections
Watch our video: What to expect when you join a Slimming World group
Join our supportive weight loss community
We’d love to welcome you to a Slimming World group, where you’ll get all the help you need to achieve the real, long-lasting results you want. If you have questions about joining Slimming World while you’re taking weight loss medications, please give your local Consultant a call.