Weight loss injections are not a silver bullet, says Slimming World founder
“The Government must take action and recognise weight loss drugs are not the silver bullet, the Holy Grail or the quick fix for obesity. Far from it! Spending UK taxpayer’s money on unnecessary and expensive drugs, the long-term effects of which no one knows, is not the answer, especially when there is a way that costs the taxpayer nothing.
“People want to lose weight without hunger – of course, they do. And surely without risk to their health? And there is a real and effective alternative. It is possible to lose weight without hunger, without harming anyone’s health, without drugs and without their unpleasant side effects. In fact, there is no one simple medical solution to the complex problems of obesity. But there are healthy, nutritional solutions that work and that last for life. Weight loss without hunger is not just a dream – it is a health-giving reality that will not condemn the next generation to a life damaged by unhealthy eating."
This is something we at Slimming World have been doing for 55 years – helping people lose weight without hunger – and feeling better about themselves on the inside and out from day one.
"We’ve long known weight loss medication isn’t for everyone. And if it’s true these drugs won’t even be available for years, then it’s a blessing in disguise. One in four people in the UK is struggling with obesity and having the fight of their life right now. They need healthy help and support right NOW,” says Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE, founder and chair of Slimming World.
Slimming World is the UK and Ireland’s largest weight management organisation, with 13,000 weekly community groups offering a money back guarantee.
Margaret’s comments come following news that the NHS only have the capacity to give 220,000 patients living with obesity the weight loss medication Mounjaro, despite NICE guidance ruling that 3.4 million adults would be eligible and 35 million people in the UK are living with overweight and obesity.
For more information on Slimming World click here and to read Slimming World’s manifesto click here.
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 people living with overweight and obesity, and incorporating the most effective sustainable behaviour change techniques, IMAGE Therapy is designed to inspire and motivate slimmers to make positive mindset 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 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 physical 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, Diabetes UK and others to help shape the future of weight management in the UK and Ireland.
For more information about Slimming World’s approach visit Welcome to Slimming World | Achieve your weight loss dreams or Welcome to Slimming World | Achieve your weight loss dreams
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For the Press Office visit our newsroom or email public.relations@slimmingworld.co.uk