A TEIGNBRIDGE Slimming World consultant has said slimming clubs are more important than ever to ensure anyone wanting to lose weight - including people who are taking weight loss injections – get support to build healthy habits so they can keep the weight off.

Claire Hannaford, pictured, runs groups in Dawlish, explains why some people taking weight loss injections are starting to join her Slimming World group.

And it seems she’s not alone – in a recent poll of Slimming World Consultants, more than a third (37 per cent) said they’ve already welcomed new members who are taking weight loss injections to their groups.

A separate member poll, completed by 104 people who joined Slimming World while using weight loss injections, reveals that 82 per cent now feel more confident that they’ll be able to maintain their weight loss when they stop taking the medication.

Crucially, nine in ten say that being supported by others who understand the challenges of losing weight is invaluable.

Claire has lost almost 7st since joining Slimming World in 2019.

‘When it comes to feeling unhappy with your weight I’ve been there, done that, so I completely understand how tempting it can be to turn to solutions that might appear easier and promise quick results’, Claire said.

‘Sadly, there is no magic spell.

‘At Slimming World, we know real success comes from building lasting habits around food, drink and activity.

‘I often hear from new members how blown away they are by the emotional support they receive from group – they’re losing weight but also addressing the deeper issues, changing their mindset and gaining control of their food and drink choices in the long term’, Claire added.

Mounting evidence shows that weight regain is a serious risk for those stopping weight loss medication. A University of Oxford study found that most people regained the weight they lost within a year, with full regain expected in under two years without sustained lifestyle changes.

Reflecting these concerns, the UK’s health watchdog the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has urged that anyone coming off weight loss drugs should receive structured advice and ongoing support to help prevent rebound weight gain.

‘Our member poll shows that people are coming to our groups for that very support’, Claire said.

‘In fact, 63 per cent told us they decided to join while taking weight loss injections because they want help to create healthy, lasting habits to maintain their weight loss long term’, Claire added.

‘What makes Slimming World truly special is our unwavering belief in the power of people coming together’, Claire said.

‘We know the weight loss landscape is changing, but one thing remains the same: lasting success comes from giving slimmers the self-belief, the tools and the thinking space each week to make plans for the days and weeks ahead and build and embed healthy habits.

‘Add to this the accountability of knowing there are other members rooting for you, that there’s someone to help pick you up after a difficult week and that the experiences you share are helping others and it’s a powerful combination.

‘Feeling that real sense of belonging and genuine care keeps members coming back week after week and cements their success.

‘My members have lost so much weight this year and I’m so proud of them’, Claire added.

The Dawlish Slimming World groups are held at varying times every Wednesday and Thursday.

For more information, contact Claire on 07882758048.