Shed your lockdown weight gain and improve healthy habits for life with Slimming World

Date published: 21 June 2021

Whilst all of us have found lockdown hard when it comes to maintaining healthy habits – and likely put on more than a few pounds – it’s natural to want to lose weight fast – but you don’t have to crash diet to get desired results.

Many of us have concerns about our weight, and these can be exacerbated now that the summer temperatures are here: you may feel uncomfortable in the heat, be conscious of how you look and feel now the winter woollies have been packed away, or notice that those extra lockdown pounds simply aren’t shifting.

You aren’t alone.

Research shows that while all of us have found lockdown hard when it comes to maintaining healthy habits, Slimming World members have fared better thanks to the changes they’ve already made to their diet and activity levels and the support they’ve received at group.

Thanks to Food Optimising and group support, members are supported to eat healthily, get active and change their habits in the long term, so they can manage their weight – whatever life throws at them.

Given the challenges of lockdown and links between Covid-19 and obesity, Slimming World’s life-changing and life-saving support is more important now than ever. Slimming World is a partner in Public Health England’s Better Health initiative, a campaign that provides an opportunity for the nation to reset and introduce healthy lifestyle changes.

Local weight-loss expert Kelly Owen manages a team of Slimming World consultants and groups, supporting thousands of people across the local area to manage their weight each week.

She said: “Lockdown has had an effect on all of us – turning our lives upside down, disrupting our routines and making us feel more anxious than usual as we worry about our own health and the health of loved ones. It’s really no surprise it’s had an effect on our choices around food, drink and activity. I’ve lost four stone myself and I know I’ve had my days when it’s felt really difficult to stay motivated, and that’s completely ok, we’re all only human.”

Kelly continued: “When my members made healthy behaviour changes prior to lockdown, little did they know this would give them the tools to cope during this challenging time, supporting them to continue to successfully lose or maintain weight loss.

“I’ve been so excited to get back to my real-life group and see everyone again, which is running with a few changes to keep everyone safe and reassured.

“There’s no better place to help you get back in control than a real-life Slimming World group, where there will be absolutely no judgement about the choices you’ve made or weight you’ve gained during lockdown – just understanding, trust, friendship, community spirit and lots of fun and laughter.”

Proof it’s possible to stay healthy in the current climate, Jess Hamer has lost 2 stone 4lbs since joining Slimming World during lockdown – all made possible thanks to Food Optimising and the support of her group.

Jess said: “When this all began I panicked a bit. I couldn’t concentrate on my weight loss or eating as healthily as I did before because everything else seemed so up in the air.

“Having the knowledge and support of my local group really helped me through this challenging time – I felt as if I had the tools to cope. When Kelly started our virtual group back at the start of lockdown, it was so good to keep in touch with everyone and I’ve not felt on my own with my weight-loss for one moment.

“Now it’s back up and running, I can’t wait to see everyone each week at our in-person group to tell them all about it.

“I worried where I might be at the end of lockdown and that it might have impacted on my ability to reach my goals, but I’m really proud that I’ll be leaving lockdown feeling better than I have in a long time.”

Virtual groups have been a lifeline for members throughout the pandemic, but nothing beats the magic of a real-life Slimming World group.

This is why Wardle slimmers now have a new full time Slimming World consultant; Gary Scott, who is also on his own weight-loss journey with Slimming World.

Gary said: “I am also a Slimming World member on my own journey along the Food Optimising path to success, to a slimmer me. I thought that I could translate my passion for Slimming World into a way of helping others achieve their own dream weights.”

A key part of Slimming World’s success is the synergy between Food Optimising and moderate exercise, to create ‘Body Magic’. And with Watergrove reservoir just a few minutes away from the Wardle Village Church venue, there is no better place for a pleasant walk to boost anyone’s Body Magic.

“With fun and supportive Image Therapy with recipe ideas and group problem solving, my aim is to grow the Wardle group to over 120 members, which will make it extremely lively and effective for weight loss, week after week,” Gary added. “I look forward to seeing lots of new and familiar faces, and to share your Slimming World Food Optimising journey.”

Gary’s Slimming World Group is held at 8.30am on Saturday mornings at Wardle Village Church, Ramsden Road, Wardle.

However lockdown has affected you, your local group will give you a warm welcome with absolutely no judgement to help everyone back on track, achieve their weight-loss dreams and transform their health.

Find your nearest group now to become a healthier, happier you:

• www.slimmingworld.co.uk