Slimming World responds to news WeightWatchers is preparing to file for bankruptcy

She says: "The decline of WeightWatchers, a big player in the weight loss industry, is extremely sad given the millions of people whose health and happiness is so seriously impacted by their weight. We can only imagine the upset and uncertainty WW’s coaches, employees and members must be feeling as they hear this news.

The news that they’re preparing to file for bankruptcy in the coming months means that another lifestyle-based weight loss programme could be removed from the range of options for people wanting to lose weight in this country – and health professionals wanting to support that.

Weight loss drugs are not the silver bullet for obesity. A poll of 2,000 UK adults, conducted for us by Censuswide late last year, found that 70% weren’t interested in or said they weren’t sure if they’d use weight loss injections. Healthcare professionals need a full range of treatment choices for people without medicalising obesity as the first and only (and costly) option.

Furthermore, everyone losing weight – with or without weight loss drugs – needs support to make changes to their diet, activity and mindset. And despite living in an increasingly digital age, people enjoy and benefit from the sense of community that comes with being part of an in-person group to receive that support.

We at Slimming World have stood firm in our tried, tested and trusted approach based around this and want to reassure anyone feeling upset and uncertain at the potential end of a long-standing weight loss organisation, that we’re not going anywhere."