Diet and exercise remains the key says slimming coach as new weight-loss pill hits the market
The Wegovy pill is the first tablet of its kind to get cleared by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
A Sunderland Slimming World consultant has warned would-be slimmers that lasting weight loss comes from dietary changes and exercise and can’t be solved by medication and weight loss jabs on their own.
Johanna (Jo) Brass, who is Hetton’s Slimming World consultant, was speaking to the Echo after a new slimming pill came onto the market last week.
The Wegovy pill is the first tablet of its kind to get cleared by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The new drug is a pill form of the current GLP-1 injection, but unlike the jab it can be taken orally and doesn’t need to be refrigerated.
GLP-1 works by supressing peoples appetite.
However, Jo warned: “Lasting weight loss success comes from support, not medication alone.
“What we’re hearing more and more is that weight loss medications aren’t designed to be used on their own and that learning healthy new habits alongside is more likely to achieve lasting success. Everyone – from the World Health Organisation to governments – is agreed that people need ongoing, evidence based support to really make changes stick.”
For Jo that means “making changes around food, drink and exercise and building positive lasting habits – even if you’re taking weight loss medication”.
Jo was speaking as Slimming World launched a new suite of dedicated GLP-1 support which includes an online support hub and eating plan for people taking the medication, muscle strengthening activities, and a series of podcasts and Q and A videos.
Support is also provided for people preparing for and adjusting to coming off medication, including hunger management, high satiety meals and protecting progress as appetite returns.
Jo added: “Research consistently shows that without structured behavioural support, rapid weight regain is likely once medication stops. That’s why wraparound support is so important.
“Our GLP-1 package provides practical, evidence based guidance on nutrition, muscle strengthening activity and appetite management, alongside the emotional and behavioural support people need – while they’re using medication and beyond it.”
Jo runs the Hetton Slimming World group in Hetton and Eppleton Community Hall and is keen to support any would be slimmers, whether using medication or not.
She said: “Having lost 2 and a half stone myself, my aim has always been to support anyone and everyone who comes to our group wanting help to lose weight to reach the weight and size they want to be and, crucially, stay there. As more people turn to GLP-1 medications, that hasn’t changed.
“We know that it’s support that makes the difference – support to make practical and mindset changes, to build new habits, to develop strategies and resilience – so that people can achieve and hold on to their healthier, happier lives for good. And that’s exactly what members get each week in our groups.”
You can find out more about GLP-1 support and register to join a group via the Slimming World Sunderland website.