Slimming World groups in West Yorkshire return to community venues after Zoom support throughout lockdown

The weekly weight-loss classes are not classed as social gatherings due to Slimming World being a commercial organisation.

Members must now book in advance to attend a session and all are being asked to wear masks, practice social distancing and use hand sanitiser on arrival.

Chairs and tables, as well as the weighing equipment, are all being cleaned between sessions and those attending are also asked not to take off their shoes for safety reasons.

Caroline Sykes, who runs sessions every Tuesday & Thursday in Rothwell said: "While the guidance means that some social activities are being limited, we are pleased to say that our Slimming World groups can still get together.

"That's because as well as the companionship that members love, we are providing a paid-for weight loss service.

"In group we're going to extra lengths to ensure that all hygiene and social distancing measures are firmly in place, including wearing face coverings during group and allowing extra time for cleaning before and in-between sessions to make sure we're all safe and sound."

Slimming World's real-life groups re-opened in April 2021 after members were supported virtually through Zoom meetings since last March.

In Caroline’s group members are excited to return to the groups and get back on the scales.

Caroline said: "In just one week, the weight losses alone have shown how much our members love being together in group and how powerful that experience is to achieving such great results.

“There’s nothing quite like the magic of our real-life groups, though, and research of our members during lockdown has shown that while our members have loved attending their virtual groups they’ve missed the motivational power and accountability of meeting in person each week.

"In group we are talking about the freedom of free food the freedom of choice without counting a single calorie as slimming world have done all the thinking for you."

Dr Jacquie Lavin, from Slimming World head of nutrition and scientific affairs, said: “The approach behind Food Optimising has always been based on science, not just the physiological science of weight loss but also the psychology, but how we think about and our emotional reactions to food, our weight and the process of losing weight.

"To lose weight, we need to consume fewer calories than we use. This creates an energy deficit and the body then starts to use its energy reserves, which are stored as body fat.

"At Slimming World, we want to help people lose weight and to maintain this weight loss in the long term and this means offering a plan that’s easy to stick to and enjoyable, and is sustainable in the long term.

"Obesity is a huge issue in the news at the moment with evidence showing that carrying extra weight makes it harder for the body to fight COVID-19, and the Government announcing brand-new plans to tackle obesity across the UK which Slimming World are very proud to be part of.

"Plus, we know many people’s routines were turned upside down by lockdown and lots of us have been feeling more worried or anxious than usual, all of which can have an impact on making healthy choices.”

To find your nearest group visit the Slimming World website.