Drugs or slimming groups? Solving the prescription dilemma

As shocking statistics show an eight-fold rise in the prescription of obesity drugs, in particular sibutramine and orlistat, Slimming World, the UK’s leading weight loss organisation, warns that PCTs and GPs are ignoring a treatment option that costs a third of the price and is more effective in the long term.

Slimming World, the UK’s leading slimming organisation, developed Slimming World on Referral to offer Primary Care Trusts a subsidised membership scheme for patients that costs one third of the price of obesity drugs. The scheme helps people to change their behaviour around eating and activity through weekly group support. The foundation of Slimming World’s approach is sustainable, long-term behaviour change.

Research Officer at Slimming World Dr James Stubbs says: “Besides the costs, Slimming World’s, Food Optimising eating plan has no adverse side effects and it helps people to change lifestyle in the long term. Our own research shows that people following Slimming World’s programme are making changes – important changes – to the way they shop, cook, eat and exercise.

“What’s more, three quarters of them are positively influencing family members to eat more healthily and to exercise more regularly. They buy more fresh fruit and vegetables, they eat less sugary and fatty foods, they buy less ready-made meals and they make more time to cook for the family using basic, nutritious ingredients. In this way we influence over 3 million people each year.”

Dr Stubbs says: “The key to successful and long-term weight loss and maintenance is to make healthy habits a part of your everyday lifestyle. Research has also shown that the support that you receive at a Slimming World group plays a key role in boosting your confidence to make the changes and keep weight off in the long term.”

For further information visit Slimming-world.com.