Slimming World drops into Parliament to engage with MPs

MPs, Peers, health professionals and other external industry experts had the opportunity to hear more about Slimming World’s evidence-based approach to healthy weight loss and to meet members who have turned their lives around by improving their health, fitness and wellbeing.

The event included discussions and demonstrations on the unique elements that make up Slimming World’s member support programme – Food Optimising, Body Magic and IMAGE Therapy – as well as the role of the self-employed franchisee Consultant, and Slimming World on Referral, a partnership scheme between health professionals and Slimming World, providing eligible patients with effective, long-lasting, community-based weight loss management.

Guests were invited to visit each station to learn more about how Slimming World’s evidence-based approach is vital in ensuring Slimming World group and online members are effectively supported throughout their weight loss journey creating healthy habits for life. The support offered is in line with government objectives on eating a balanced diet, achieving physical activity guidelines and the level of behavioural change support required from a weight loss programme as recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

Slimming World members and Consultants attended the event to share more about their Slimming World experience. Among them was Dave Winchester,  who was named Slimming World’s Man of the Year 2022 after losing 14st 7lbs and running the London Marathon as part of Slimming World’s team, and Sarah Wynter, an NHS nurse who lost 7st and was named Slimming World’s Miss Slinky 2023.

Elise continues: “The event also enabled participants to hear first-hand from our members about their weight-loss journeys, highlighting the success they’ve had following the weight-loss programme and developing new healthy lifestyles. Our Consultants were able to talk guests through their experience as a Slimming World member, as well as their transition to becoming a self-employed Consultant and helping others achieve their dreams.”

Sir Bill Wiggin, MP for North Herefordshire, went along to the event to meet Sarah and Consultant Jo Diggle, who runs the Slimming World group that Sarah attends each week, to congratulate her on her amazing success.

Sir Wiggin says: “I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Sarah Wynter from Hereford at the Slimming World Drop-in session in Parliament, and it was inspiring to hear of her amazing journey. I congratulate her on this fantastic achievement, and I look forward to seeing the Slimming World on Referral scheme implemented in North Herefordshire.”

Joe Thompson, 35, was once left mortified after being unable to fasten his seatbelt on a rollercoaster and having to get off. He has since lost 5st 3.5lbs with Slimming World and has been named this year’s Mr Sleek. Joe attended the event as a representative for Slimming World and shared his weight-loss journey with guests. He says: “It was an honour to represent Slimming World at the Parliamentary drop-in session. Any time I’m asked to express how Slimming World has changed my life, I do it gladly.

“It was a surreal experience talking to MPs about all aspects of the mental and physical transformation that happens when you walk through those doors to a Slimming World group. Before joining, I would never have had the confidence to take part in an event like this or to speak to politicians about my health. But now I’m so proud to talk about how my life has changed. After years of yo-yo dieting, I’ve finally found a way to live healthily, for the long term.”