Press Area

Three out of four people who are obese[1] are unaware of their weight problem as rising levels of obesity mean being overweight is now ‘seen as the norm’, new research reveals.

Only seven per cent of people polled by Slimming World and YouGov believe their weight problem is significant enough for them to be classified as obese. However, their measurements reveal a very different story, with 27 per cent of people falling into the obese category – the same as official government figures.

Experts believe the shocking statistic, taken from the National Slimming Survey 2009, is the result of a rapid rise in obesity which has caused a blur in people’s perception of what is a healthy weight – meaning 10 million Britons are unaware they are obese and their health is at risk.

The research, conducted by Slimming World to mark its 40^th anniversary, also found that over half of people who are obese believe they eat a healthy diet, suggesting that the gap in perception extends to the food people eat as well as what constitutes a healthy weight.

Dr Jacquie Lavin, Slimming World Head of Nutrition, says: “People in the UK are getting heavier and that is likely to be having an effect on their perceptions of what qualifies as obese.

“It’s a real concern as our research confirms that being overweight has a devastating impact on people’s health and happiness. People who are morbidly obese are 10 times more likely than healthy weight people to describe their health as ‘very poor’, with more than a third suffering with high blood pressure and one in four having diabetes, arthritis or asthma. They are also three times more likely than healthy weight people to suffer with depression and low self esteem, according to the study.

“For years experts have agreed that losing just 10 per cent body weight can lead to significant improvements in health – but if people don’t even realise they have a serious weight problem it can be difficult to address.”

The nationwide survey found that a person’s top diet downfall varies depending on where they live, with people in the North citing alcohol, Londoners pointing to eating out and Welsh people selecting chocolate. Meanwhile, people who are obese choose big portions as the thing most likely to undermine their healthy eating habits.

“Portion size really needn’t affect people’s weight,” continues Dr Lavin. “It’s more about which foods you eat and how they’re cooked. As long as you choose healthy foods there really isn’t any need to cut down your portions. Slimming World members lose weight successfully while eating as much as they like of healthy ‘proper’ foods like fruit and veg, pasta, rice, potatoes, eggs, fish, chicken and lean meat to satisfy their appetite without them ever having to take note of their portion size.

“While the general rise in obesity is causing people to underestimate the severity of their own weight problem, it’s clear that many people do want to slim down and more than half of respondents say they would consider at least one weight loss option. We know from a parallel survey of our members that following an eating plan that allows them to satisfy their appetite without feeling deprived or hungry is most likely to succeed in the long term. We’ve seen a 26.1 per cent increase in Slimming World membership in the last two years. By providing people with the motivation and support they need to make a real change for life we can help close the perception gap and make real progress in the battle against obesity.”

People who are concerned about their weight can take a free BMI test at www.slimmingworld.com. During its 40^th anniversary week Slimming World is offering half price membership to all new members.

-ENDS-

For more information on this press release please contact the Slimming World Press Office on 01773 546101 or 01773 546037 or 01773 546039, or email public.relations@slimming-world.com

 Notes to Editors

·        The National Slimming Survey 2009 was conducted by Slimming World and YouGov and polled a nationally representative sample of 2,148 people about their weight, eating habits, activity levels, general health, relationships, career and family as well as their attitudes to weight and the issues surrounding it. The results provide a comprehensive picture of obesity in the UK.

·        Slimming World’s Member Survey 2009 was conducted on Lifeline Online, its members-only website, and had a total of 2,610 responses

·        Slimming World is the largest and most advanced slimming organisation in the UK. Margaret Miles-Bramwell (OBE, FRSA) founded the company in 1969 and there are now 6,000 groups held weekly nationwide via a network of 2,500 Slimming World trained Consultants.

·        In 2009 Slimming World celebrates its 40^th Anniversary and four decades of helping people to lose weight without deprivation, guilt or hunger.

·        300,000 members attend Slimming World every week and achieve outstanding success.

·        Members lose 17,857 stones every week: 2,551 stones every day, over 106 stones every hour, that’s 1 stone 10 lbs lost every minute of every day with Slimming World.

·        Slimming World pioneered Slimming World on Referral in the UK and actively supports the building of partnerships with the NHS and local authorities to develop effective strategies to manage overweight and obesity in the community. Slimming World works with university researchers and specialists in an active research programme to further knowledge of the causes and treatment of obesity.

·        Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, Food OptimisingÒ, and the principles behind Slimming World’s philosophy are based on a deep understanding of the challenges faced by overweight people. Slimming World integrates practical, up-to-date dietary advice with a highly developed support system.

·        Slimming World Consultants receive specific training in dietary aspects and the role of physical activity in weight control. The highly developed training focuses on facilitating behaviour change in a group environment, acknowledged by experts as being the most effective way to support long-term weight management.  

Images