Why lifestyle changes are more important than Mounjaro jabs and meds when it comes to weight loss
A Slimming World consultant from Hetton-le-Hole says slimming clubs are more important than ever to for anyone wanting to lose weight – including people who are taking weight loss injections.
Whilst Mounjaro injections, which are now available on the NHS, and other weight loss medication may tempt people with a quick solution to shed the pounds, Slimming World coach Jo Brass, who runs a group in Hetton and Eppleton Community Hall, still feels healthy eating and exercise is the best way to maintain a healthy weight.
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.
Jo said: “When it comes to feeling unhappy with your weight I’ve been there and done that, so I completely understand how tempting it can be to turn to solutions that might appear easier and promise quick results. 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 the 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.”
According to Jo, mounting evidence shows that weight regain is a serious risk for those stopping weight loss medication.
An Oxford University 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.
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.
Jo said: “Our member poll shows that people are coming to our groups for that very support. 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.”
“The survey also found that 68 per cent of members who joined while taking weight loss drugs say that since joining their Slimming World group, they’ve learned how to eat a healthy, balanced diet that they can stick to. And the majority (89 per cent) found that losing weight alongside like-minded people is much more enjoyable than trying to lose weight on their own.”
Jo says Slimming World’s approach is focused on togetherness, community and shared experience – “all of which are vital for lasting weight loss success”.
She added: “What makes Slimming World truly special is our unwavering belief in the power of people coming together. 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 a whopping 78 stone so far this year and I couldn’t be more proud of them!”
The Hetton Slimming World group is held every Thursday at 5.30 at Hetton and Eppleton Community Hall. To join, pop along or contact Jo on 07984421468.