Slimming World and Diabetes UK announce new partnership
The UK and Ireland’s leading weight management provider Slimming World and the UK’s largest charity for people living with diabetes Diabetes UK have today announced a three-year strategic partnership.
Slimming World and Diabetes UK are coming together to share expertise on weight loss, long-term healthy eating and diabetes. In partnership, they aim to support people living with diabetes, and those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, to manage their weight in a way that works for them.
Lisa Salmon, Slimming World’s Managing Director, says: “For many years, Slimming World has supported thousands of members in our community groups and online via our digital programme to lose weight and manage their diabetes – with many of our members being able to reduce medication, and for some with type 2 diabetes even put the condition into remission – and lead healthier lives.
“We’ve always directed our members living with diabetes to Diabetes UK for support outside of weight management, which is why we’re delighted to be working more closely with them, collaborating on resources, producing co-branded recipes and increasing our knowledge by sharing our expertise.
“Through this partnership we aim to further deepen our understanding of the challenges and misconceptions people living with diabetes face, demonstrate our commitment to supporting our members with the latest and most effective information in diabetes care around diet and weight loss, and to reach even more people living with diabetes or at risk of type 2 diabetes with inspiration and advice.”
Diabetes UK estimates that more than five million people in the UK are living with diabetes. The charity is leading the fight against the UK’s foremost health condition, and weight loss plays a huge part in the management of different types of diabetes, and for the remission, and prevention of type 2 diabetes.
Collette Marshall, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, says: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Slimming World over the next three years, working together to raise awareness of the importance of weight management and long-term healthy eating habits for those living with all types of diabetes and at risk of developing type 2.
“Millions of people living with diabetes find managing their weight a struggle and maintaining a healthy weight and losing weight can be hard. Differences in our genetic make-up mean that some people are more predisposed to eating more and must fight their biology to maintain a healthy weight; the food environment and poverty both play important roles in overweight and obesity. It’s extremely complex, and no one with diabetes should feel guilty about their weight.
“In partnership, we will support people living with diabetes to lose weight and manage their weight in a way that works for them and reach those who are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, potentially preventing or delaying a diagnosis.
“With 5 million people now living with diabetes in the UK, this partnership has never been more important. We look forward to working with Slimming World over the next three years and seeing what we can achieve, together."
Slimming World was founded by Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE in Derbyshire in 1969 and has become the UK and Ireland’s leading weight loss organisation with more people choosing to attend a Slimming World group each week than any other weight loss programme. We support hundreds of thousands of people, both in our groups and online, to lose weight and to adopt new habits to stay slim for life.
Over the years our founding principles haven’t changed:
· Our unique programme is based on a powerfully motivating support system called IMAGE (Individual Motivation and Group Experience) Therapy. Underpinned by a deep understanding of the psychology of overweight people, and incorporating the most effective sustainable behaviour change techniques, IMAGE Therapy is designed to inspire and motivate slimmers to make positive changes and to develop new, healthier habits around food and activity.
· Food Optimising is our healthy eating plan, based on the liberating concept of Free Food. We encourage our members to fill up on those foods that are naturally lower in energy density (calories per gram) and also highly satisfying while limiting foods that are highest in fat and sugar and are less satisfying, so they lose weight without ever feeling hungry or deprived and without having to weigh, measure or count everything they eat.
· Our activity support programme, Body Magic helps members to overcome any barriers around exercise. Members choose when to start and they set the pace, finding activities they genuinely enjoy, until regular physical activity becomes an intrinsic part of their daily routine.
At the heart of everything we do lies our passion for treating every member with genuine care, empathy and respect.
We’re proud to work with the NHS, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), The Royal College of Midwives and others to help shape the future of weight management in the UK and Ireland.
For more information about Slimming World’s approach visit slimmingworld.co.uk or slimmingworld.ie
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For the Press Office visit our newsroom or email public.relations@slimmingworld.co.uk