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Find the right approach
Your doctor's surgery
Commercial Slimming Organisations Meal replacements
Very Low Calorie Diets (VLCDs)
Other approaches
Medical approaches
Be Weightwise and webwise

Commercial Slimming Organisations

Many people find belonging to a group very supportive, and are often very successful.

They can offer:

• Structure
• Education
• Support
• Skills and strategies

All cost money to attend weekly.
The three most popular ones in the UK are: Weight Watchers, Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs, and Slimming World.

Weight Watchers

Features:

• The diet plan is based on a points system where individuals are given a number of points to use throughout the day
• Different foods are given different points, based on a healthy eating, balanced and flexible approach
• Skills and strategies for change are an integral part of the programme
• Regular physical activity is recommended as part of the plan
• 10% weight loss is recommended as an achievable and realistic first goal
• Meetings are weekly and weigh-ins done in private. Confidentiality is guaranteed with no naming and shaming
• Group leaders have successfully lost weight themselves
• The Weight Watchers points system is also available to follow on-line: www.weightwatchers.co.uk

Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs

Features:

• Members follow a healthy, low-fat diet plan called "Eat Yourself Slim" combined with an optional exercise programme adapted for individual fitness levels, for an inclusive price
• Weekly classes typically involve a private weigh in and one-to-one consultation, followed by a 5-minute motivational talk and a 45-minute exercise session to music with a qualified Instructor
• Promote a healthy rate of weight loss (0.5-1kg/1-2lbs per week) and set realistic weight loss targets
• In addition to or as an alternative to the classes, there are the Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness videos, books and magazine which people can follow at home
• For more information visit: www.rosemary-conley.co.uk

Slimming World

Features:

• The diet plan is based on a Food Optimising system, incorporating healthy eating principles. There are Green choices and Original, which offer flexibility in terms of tastes and food preferences
• Fruit and vegetables are free foods on both choices, so the 5 a day recommendation is usually easy to achieve with this plan
• High calorie, less nutritious foods are included but as part of a flexible 'sin' system which helps control the amounts eaten
• Realistic weight loss targets encouraged (10% weight loss)
• Now encourages regular appropriate physical activity for individuals
• Weekly meetings include practical skills and strategies for change. Options for additional support if needed in between meetings
• Some men-only classes
• For more information, visit: www.slimming-world.com

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