{"id":17881,"date":"2026-09-08T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-08T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/?p=17881"},"modified":"2026-09-07T17:01:38","modified_gmt":"2026-09-07T16:01:38","slug":"healthy-parents-healthy-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/healthy-parents-healthy-children\/","title":{"rendered":"When parents adopt healthier\u202fhabits to lose weight, children may benefit too"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>At Slimming World, we know that losing weight is about much more than changing&nbsp;what&#8217;s&nbsp;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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Small changes, big family impact&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The survey looked at 396 Slimming World members with children aged five to 11 and found that:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>more than two thirds (67 per cent) who were concerned about their child\u2019s weight felt more motivated to support them after addressing their own weight&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>almost half (48 per cent) of parents reported healthy improvements in what their child ate after they joined the weight loss programme&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>more than a quarter (27 per cent) said their child had become more physically active&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dr Sarah-Elizabeth Bennett, Senior Nutritionist at Slimming World,\u00a0says<\/strong>\u00a0:\u00a0&#8220;It&#8217;s\u00a0something 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.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/offers\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"168\" src=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SmallCTA-AutumnCampaign2026_SlimmingWorldBlog-v6.jpg\" alt=\"Autumn campaign - Save \u00a35\/\u20ac9* when you join *16th August to 4th September in Scotland and 30th August to 18th September in all other areas. Terms and conditions apply. Click for more info!\" class=\"wp-image-17555\" style=\"width:494px;height:auto\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How Slimming World works for families<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Flexibility is at the heart of the&nbsp;Slimming World plan. We know that, for healthy habits to stick, they&nbsp;must&nbsp;fit in with your&nbsp;everyday&nbsp;life \u2013 and that means working&nbsp;for the other members of your household, too.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our healthy eating plan,\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/the-science-behind-food-optimising\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Food Optimising<\/a>,\u202fand\u202four&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/activity\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">active lifestyle programme<\/a>\u202fare 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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/slimming-world-family-utm_sourcedigitalutm_mediumpressutm_idswblog\/\">Discover delicious recipes, fun activity&nbsp;ideas&nbsp;and Slimming World support for your family<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The&nbsp;real-life&nbsp;ripple effect<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The research also explored why parents choose to lose weight and found that their motivations are often deeply personal and&nbsp;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,&nbsp;they&#8217;re&nbsp;determined&nbsp;to help their children enjoy a healthier, happier future.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Body-FamilyPR-Campaign-LorraineJervis_SlimmingWorldBlog.jpg\" alt=\"Slimming World member Lorraine Jervis with her daughter\" class=\"wp-image-17873\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Lorraine Jervis-Garner&nbsp;lost&nbsp;9st&nbsp;7lbs&nbsp;with Slimming&nbsp;World, and&nbsp;has seen the ripple effect reach three generations of her family. She says;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;I joined Slimming World because I wanted to be a good role model for my three-year-old Ayda. After\u00a0she\u00a0was born, I struggled to look after myself. I often skipped meals, relying on custard creams to get me through busy days.\u00a0I felt frumpy, uncomfortable\u00a0and completely unlike myself.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My mum, Loretta, asked if I wanted to go with her to group, and&nbsp;that\u2019s&nbsp;when it clicked that healthy food could be delicious. I plan family meals for the week ahead now and&nbsp;cook so much&nbsp;from scratch.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u00a0think people\u202fprobably assume\u202fwe&#8217;ve\u202falways been\u00a0a\u00a0healthy and active family,\u00a0but\u00a0that\u2019s\u00a0not the case.\u202fI\u2019m\u202fso proud to be\u00a0setting a positive example for\u00a0Ayda\u00a0and showing her healthy habits that will stay with her as she grows up.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/players.brightcove.net\/5245389806001\/default_default\/index.html?videoId=6404596250112\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"encrypted-media\" width=\"900\" height=\"390\"><\/iframe><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/real-life-stories\/lorraine-jervis-garner\">Read Lorraine\u2019s story<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Mealtimes made easy<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Life\u2019s too busy to be cooking separate meals, so&nbsp;we\u2019ve&nbsp;made sure that our recipe collection includes hundreds of&nbsp;family favourites that&nbsp;everyone (even the fussiest eaters) will love.\u202f\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With recipes for busy days, days before the \u2018big shop\u2019 and days when&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;sticking to a budget \u2013&nbsp;all at your fingertips on the Slimming World app and website&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;you\u2019ll&nbsp;never be stuck for dinner inspiration again!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Body-FamilyPR-Campaign-ClaireKane_SlimmingWorldBlog.jpg\" alt=\"Slimming World member Claire Kane with her two daughters\" class=\"wp-image-17872\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Slimming World member Claire Kane has lost&nbsp;18st&nbsp;7\u00bdlbs, while still sitting down to mealtimes with her family. She says;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI joined wanting to improve my own health, yet soon my children (Olivia, 9 and Sophie, 6) were enjoying the same tasty healthy meals \u2013 like garlic chicken bake or fajitas, and we\u2019re always out at the park together as everyone has more energy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My Slimming World group has had&nbsp;a big role&nbsp;in that. The support from everyone \u2013 sharing ideas, encouragement and their own real-life experiences, helped me make these small habit changes.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/real-life-stories\/claire-kane\">Read Claire\u2019s story<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Slimming World\u2019s Family Affair<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Our\u202f<em>Family Affair<\/em>\u202fbooklet is packed with practical advice to help the whole family to make healthier changes that last \u2013 including:\u202f\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the differences to keep in mind as you shop, cook and eat as a family\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>family-favourite recipe makeovers to get everyone eating well together\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>tried-and-tested ways to exercise and get active as a family or individually\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/group-or-online-membership\">When you join Slimming World, you can pick up the booklet for free in group.<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Join the Slimming World family<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At Slimming World,&nbsp;we\u2019re&nbsp;committed to giving you the help you need every week of the year \u2013 and&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;more than welcome to bring your children, too.\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/nearest-group-search\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Come along to group<\/a>\u202fto 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.&nbsp;You\u2019ll&nbsp;also find lots of family-focused support on\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/what-happens-online\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Slimming World Online<\/a>, our digital service, which you can log on to whenever it suits you.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/group-or-online-membership\">Join Slimming World<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n    <section class=\"block-embedded-widget-area alignwide\">\n        \t\t\t<section id=\"mm-newsletter-widget-3\" class=\"widget mm-newsletter-widget\">\t\n\t\t<div id=\"mm-newsletter-widget\" class=\"mm-newsletter-widget-form\" data-thanks_page=\"0\" data-thanks_page_url=\"\" data-thanks_page_new_window=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"wrapper\">\n                <aside>\n                    <header>\n                        <h2>Free 7-day eating plan<\/h4>\n                    <\/header>\n                    <p>You&#8217;ll also get our email newsletter with recipes, inspiration and exciting special offers<\/p>\n                <\/aside>\n\n                <div class=\"form-wrapper\">\n                    <form action=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17881\" method=\"post\" id=\"newsletter-form\">\n\n                        <fieldset>\n                            <label class=\"input-label\">First name<\/label>\n                            <input type=\"text\" name=\"firstName\" placeholder=\"Enter your first name\" title=\"Enter your first name\" required>\n                        <\/fieldset>\n\n                        <fieldset>\n                            <label class=\"input-label\">Email address<\/label>\n                            <input type=\"email\" name=\"email\" placeholder=\"Enter your email address\" title=\"Enter your email address\" required>\n                        <\/fieldset>\n\n                        <fieldset>\n                                                            <div class=\"input-radio\">\n                                    <input id=\"classic-menu\" class=\"classic-menu\" type=\"radio\" name=\"menuType\" value=\"Classic\" checked>\n                                    <label for=\"classic-menu\">\n                                        I&#8217;d like the classic menu                                    <\/label>\n                                <\/div>\n                                                                                        <div class=\"input-radio\">\n                                    <input id=\"vegetarian-menu\" class=\"vegetarian-menu\" type=\"radio\" name=\"menuType\" value=\"Vegetarian\">\n                                    <label for=\"vegetarian-menu\">\n                                        I&#8217;d like the vegetarian menu                                    <\/label>\n                                <\/div>\n                                                                                        <div class=\"input-radio\">\n                                    <input id=\"vegan-menu\" class=\"vegan-menu\" type=\"radio\" name=\"menuType\" value=\"Vegan\">\n                                    <label for=\"vegan-menu\">\n                                        I&#8217;d like the vegan menu                                    <\/label>\n                                <\/div>\n                                                    <\/fieldset>\n\n                        <div class=\"button-wrapper\">\n                            <div class=\"g-recaptcha\" data-sitekey=\"6LdLR7cZAAAAAFDxo_6diZKq91dLeqE45o9GkrNL\" data-theme=\"light\" data-size=\"normal\"><\/div>\n                            <button class=\"submit is-secondary animation-light-background\" type=\"submit\" name=\"submit\">Sign me up<\/button>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/form>\n\n                    <p class=\"message-success\">Thank you for signing up. We just need you to verify your email address. Please check your inbox for a message from us and click on the verification link so we can keep you up to date with our latest menus, recipes and offers.<\/p><p class=\"message-error message-error-0\">Failed captcha.<\/p><p class=\"message-error message-error-1\">Please check your inbox for a message from us and click on the verification link so we can keep you up to date with our latest menus, recipes and offers.<\/p><p class=\"message-error message-error-3\">Good news, you&#8217;re already on our email list. Look out for emails from us packed full of recipe inspiration.<\/p><p class=\"message-error message-error-default\">Something went wrong.<\/p>                <\/div>\n\t\t    <\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/section>\t\n    <\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>* Mears R, Sharp D, Searle A, Salway R, Hamilton-Shield J. Effect of parent attendance at an adult commercial weight management programme on their children. BMJ Paediatrics Open. 2026;10:e004417.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1136\/bmjpo-2025-004417\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1136\/bmjpo-2025-004417<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Global, regional, and national prevalence of child and adolescent overweight and obesity, 1990\u20132021, with forecasts to 2050: a forecasting study for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 &#8211; The Lancet&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/childhood-obesity-applying-all-our-health\/childhood-obesity-applying-all-our-health\">https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/childhood-obesity-applying-all-our-health\/childhood-obesity-applying-all-our-health<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover how Slimming World can fit into your real life, as research reveals how one weight loss journey can lead to a whole family of benefits <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":17871,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[16],"class_list":["post-17881","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-inspire","tag-slimming-world-news","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17881","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17881"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17881\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17890,"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17881\/revisions\/17890"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17871"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17881"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17881"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17881"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}