Slimming World partners with Public Health England on ‘Stoptober’ quit smoking campaign

Stoptober, the hugely successful quit smoking campaign from PHE, launched on 20^th September as new data revealed that there are now twice as many ex-smokers (15 million people) as current smokers in England (7 million).

Smoking is the number one preventable cause of death in the UK, yet many smokers avoid trying to quit because they worry about putting on weight. To help with this, PHE has joined forces with Slimming World, for tips, recipes and a special offer for people looking for support to manage their weight when they give up smoking.

Jenny Caven, Head of External Affairs for Slimming World, said: “We know that many people worry that they will pile on the pounds when they stop smoking, however the great news is you can give up smoking without gaining weight and, with Slimming World’s support, you can even stop and slim.

“Our Food Optimising eating plan, based on the science of satiety, helps people to satisfy their appetite without feeling hungry or deprived, while enjoying healthy everyday foods like fruit and veg, pasta, rice, potatoes, fish and lean meat. This empowers quitters to cope with the challenges presented by increased appetite and cravings, so that they can manage their weight and celebrate their sense of taste coming to life."

“At the same time, the support members get at any of our 16,000 groups or through our online programme helps quitters to break habits through a combination of shared experience and inspiration and motivation from fellow members. By identifying danger zones, planning for the week ahead and celebrating successes as they make long-term changes to their behaviour members are much more likely to succeed in forming new healthy habits. Slimming World’s Body Magic programme helps members to take advantage of their newfound energy when they’ve given up smoking by taking the threat out of activity and giving them the support and the confidence to build up gradually.”

Starting on 1st October and based on research that if you stop smoking for 28 days you are five times more likely to stop for good, Stoptober is back for a fifth year, having driven almost a million quit attempts to date.

Professor Kevin Fenton, National Director of Health and Wellbeing for Public Health England said:

“While it is amazing that there are over twice as many ex-smokers as current smokers in England there are still over 7 million people regularly lighting up.

“Alongside unhealthy diet, smoking is the biggest cause of preventable early death in England, accounting for over 78,000 deaths a year. Quitters will soon see they have reduced blood pressure, easier breathing and better circulation. Stopping smoking is the best thing a smoker can do to improve their health.”

As part of Slimming World’s commitment to the campaign partnership, it is offering discount for online membership during October and a free unique 7 day eating plan packed with delicious menus and recipes to help quitters eat well and stay on track. To find out more visit the microsite: www.slimmingworld.co.uk/stoptober