Carolyn Pallister, Registered Dietitian and Head of Nutrition, Research and Health
| Slimming World
As noise around weight loss medication continues, Carolyn Pallister, registered dietitian and Head of Nutrition, Research and Health at Slimming World, shares the organisation’s latest research showing how in-person community groups make a real impact on young adults’ physical and mental health.
At Slimming World, we’re committed to ensuring our weight loss programme is the most effective and practical way to help people make healthy changes until they become intrinsic, lifelong habits. Regular and robust service evaluations are a key part of this, and our latest put a spotlight firmly on our younger adult members.
Our latest research of over 3,200 Slimming World members aged 18-34 found that – at that point – they had lost an average of 12 per cent of their body weight – around 13kg, with many members losing much more.1 The research also highlighted that the benefits of being a Slimming World member go far beyond physical change:
- 92 per cent feel part of a supportive community
- 89 per cent report a healthier relationship with food
- 59 per cent say their mental wellbeing has improved
Currently, more than a third of 16-24-year-olds, and 58 per cent of 25-34-year-olds are living with overweight or obesity in England,2 with these figures predicted to increase by 2050. So, identifying effective ways for young adults living with obesity to make sustainable, positive lifestyle changes and manage their weight healthily has the potential to reduce their risk of developing health conditions linked to overweight and obesity, and the cost to the NHS long term.
In this increasingly digital age, when our lives are dominated by screens and remote working, Slimming World’s weekly face-to-face groups offer something different to young people – genuine connection, shared experience and a sense of community. And those who take that first step are discovering they don’t only transform their physical health – 73 per cent of respondents said their health had improved since joining Slimming World – but also change how they feel about themselves.
Our unique approach combines a flexible, science-backed healthy eating plan with weekly group support. Members gain a deeper understanding of their personal barriers to weight loss and learn practical strategies, using the principles of behavioural science, to make lasting changes. Through shared experiences and encouragement, members are supported to navigate the ups and downs of managing weight while feeling part of an uplifting community – no matter their age.
The research shows us what we see in our groups – that younger adults are finding that the sense of togetherness is key to improving both their physical and emotional wellbeing. Of the respondents, the vast majority (92 per cent) say they now feel part of a supportive community, 93 per cent feel supported to change their mindset around food, and 72 per cent say they’d recommend Slimming World to someone their age
While weight loss medications are a significant innovation and undoubtedly changing the obesity landscape, they are not a magic bullet and come with associated concerns and serious side effects. And that’s before even considering the unregulated and counterfeit medications on the market. The weight-loss industry is a regulatory void online, with people bombarded with advertising and false promises, and access to inaccurate, unsafe advice and unregulated products.
Living with obesity can be extremely challenging, and young adults can, understandably, be tempted to try risky and in some cases dangerous methods to lose weight, which can have negative long-term impacts. And even if they do acquire weight loss medication from a reputable source, current evidence shows people using them are unlikely to maintain their weight loss unless they make changes to their diet and activity levels and learn how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which we know isn’t easy, especially without support.
Evidence-based behaviour change programmes that tackle the deeper drivers of unhealthy eating and inactivity are some of the most valuable interventions for supporting long-term healthy living and weight loss. For more than 56 years, Slimming World has supported millions of people to achieve healthier lives, and today we support more than half a million members in our groups and online service. Slimming World uses its experience, expertise and unique community-based network to deliver life-changing support for just £5.95 (RRP) per week.
By helping young adults who wish to lose weight to do so sustainably and build healthy habits that they take home to their friends and family, it helps future generations to live healthier, happier lives, and supports the government’s commitment to focus on the prevention of health conditions.
We would welcome the opportunity to meet with the government to discuss our commitment to supporting its efforts to help people of all ages whose lives are adversely impacted by obesity and introduce them to our members who have lost weight and created lasting healthy habits.
For more information on our latest research and outcomes or our programme, please visit slimmingworld.co.uk.
- A self-selecting sample of 3,262 Slimming World members aged 18-34 were polled between 6th and 20th February 2025
- Health Survey for England (2024)