Group support builds habits that last: why slimming support matters more than medication
Nine in 10 Slimming World members taking weight loss drugs say that being supported by others is invaluable, reveals survey
Slimming clubs are more important than ever to ensure anyone wanting to lose weight – including people who are taking weight loss injections – get the support they need to build healthy habits and keep the weight off.
Slimming World Consultants across the UK and Ireland are seeing people taking weight loss injections joining their groups for additional support. In a recent poll[1] of Slimming World Consultants, more than a third (37 per cent) said they’ve already welcomed new members who are taking weight loss injections to their groups.
A separate member poll[2], completed by 104 people who joined Slimming World while using weight loss injections, reveals that 82 per cent now feel more confident that they’ll be able to maintain their weight loss when they stop taking the medication. Crucially, nine in 10 say that being supported by others who understand the challenges of losing weight is invaluable.
Slimming World focuses on helping members to build lasting habits around food, drink and activity, which supports them to lose weight but also address the deeper issues, changing their mindset and gaining control of their food and drink choices in the long term.
Mounting evidence shows that weight regain is a serious risk for those stopping weight loss medication. A University of Oxford study found that most people regained most of the weight they lost within a year, with full regain expected in under two years without sustained lifestyle changes. Reflecting these concerns, the UK’s health watchdog the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has urged that anyone coming off weight loss drugs should receive structured advice and ongoing support to help prevent rebound weight gain.
Slimming World's member poll shows that people are coming to their groups for that very support. In fact, 63 per cent shared they decided to join while taking weight loss injections because they want help to create healthy, lasting habits to maintain their weight loss long term.
The survey also found that 68 per cent of members who joined while taking weight loss drugs say that since joining their Slimming World group, they’ve learned how to eat a healthy, balanced diet that they can stick to. And the majority (89 per cent) found that losing weight alongside like-minded people is much more enjoyable than trying to lose weight on their own.
Research shows that being part of a supportive group significantly boosts your chances of long-term weight loss success. While weight loss medications can play a role, lasting success depends on long-term behaviour change. That’s why our groups are so vital, they provide the tools, knowledge and compassionate support to help members to build healthy habits for life.
Currently 64 million people in the UK are overweight or living with obesity, posing challenges for the Government and the health service, which Slimming World is here to help with. For over 55 years it has supported people to lose weight and transform their lives, not just through a weight loss plan and activity programme but by offering a lifelong toolkit for healthy living. That’s why being part of a group is so powerful: it helps you stay motivated, until the changes you’re making around food, drink and activity become everyday habits.
Carolyn Pallister, Registered Dietitian and Head of Nutrition, Research & Health at Slimming World, says: “Research shows that being part of a supportive group significantly boosts your chances of long-term weight loss success. While weight loss medications can play a role, lasting success depends on long-term behaviour change. That’s why our groups are so vital, they provide the tools, knowledge and compassionate support to help members to build healthy habits for life. Members gain confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging that helps them make positive long-term lifestyle changes.”
Slimming World believes that lasting change needs real support – whether people are using its tried and tested methods, have had surgery or are using weight loss medication. Real change doesn’t happen in isolation, but when people come together. Whether you're just starting out, returning to group, or taking weight loss drugs, Slimming World offers a warm welcome and the support needed to make lasting changes – right at the heart of your local community.
[1] A self-selecting sample of 853 Slimming World Consultants completed an online survey between 23rd and 31st July 2025
[2] A self-selecting sample of 104 Slimming World members who joined their local group while taking weight injections completed an online survey asking for their feedback about their experience were polled via Slimming World’s member website between 23rd and 31st July 2025