Labour Doncaster Central candidate, Sally Jameson, visits local slimmers

Sally Jameson says: “It was great to meet so many Slimming World members who are all taking steps to make positive, healthy changes to their lives. It is so important that we tackle major public health issues like obesity, both to enhance people’s lives and reduce the pressure on the NHS. That is the message I will be taking to Westminster if the people of Doncaster Central elect me to represent them as their Member of Parliament.”

Government data shows that around two-thirds (63%) of adults are above a healthy weight and, of these, half are obese.[i]

Amanda Horsman, Slimming World Consultant, says: “It was wonderful that Sally Jameson could join us at the St Peter’s group and see how people from within their community are being equipped with the knowledge and skills to lose weight. I’m proud of all of my members who are committed to making positive changes to their lives.”

Slimming World recently launched its ‘Five-point manifesto to support people and families living with obesity’, calling on the next Government to commit to helping more people living with obesity to lose weight with a personalised approach, improve their health outcomes, and relieve the financial burden on the NHS.

The manifesto calls for a focus on ensuring healthcare professionals have a choice of weight loss options to offer patients without relying on drugs, as it leaves those who don’t want to rely on medication, or can’t take it, without support.

Amanda says: “At Slimming World, we understand losing weight is a physical and a psychological journey and people need support to tackle both aspects, which is why our approach is about the whole person. Lifestyle changes need to sit alongside, and exist well beyond, any medical intervention someone chooses, such as surgery or drugs. We help members to understand themselves more deeply, boost their self-esteem and connect with others on the same journey so they can share real-life advice and strategies to deal with potential pitfalls, and manage their weight for the long term.

“Our own research of 1.1 million members shows on average Slimming World members lose a clinically significant 5% of their body weight (9.9lbs) within three months, and it was fantastic to show Ms Jameson firsthand how our support is making a difference.”

Amanda runs the St Peter’s Slimming World group after she joined Slimming World as a member in 2012 and lost 8st herself. Amanda continues: “As well as losing weight, we have a lot of fun, and I hope Ms Jameson also got a feel for the community and friendship within the group. As the country’s leading weight loss organisation, with groups in the heart of communities all over the UK and Ireland, there’s no better place than Slimming World to offer an effective and long-lasting solution.”

[i] Obesity Profile update: July 2022 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) / https://www.ethnicity-facts-figures.service.gov.uk/health/diet-and-exercise/overweight-adults/latest/