'I would never judge anyone for using weight loss injections' says Morecambe Slimming World consultant

While the arrival of weight loss injections like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro have undoubtedly changed the weight management landscape, Karen Fay, who runs groups in Bare and Bolton-le-Sands, says the drugs will never replace weight-loss methods based on lifestyle changes.

“While of course we know and our members are living proof that lasting weight loss can be achieved without drugs, we also understand that when you’re desperate to lose weight it can be tempting to try something new that promises instant results,” she said.

"The truth is though there’s no magic bullet – losing weight and maintaining that weight loss requires change. Weight loss drugs need to go hand-in-hand with making changes to your diet, activity and mindset. They’re not a replacement for those changes.”

A recent University of Oxford study found exactly this. It showed that people who stop taking weight loss drugs typically regained the weight they lost within a year, with full weight regain expected in under two years if they don’t maintain a healthy lifestyle afterwards.

Karen says Slimming World’s approach is focused on helping its members to make lasting changes. “Our healthy eating plan encourages members to eat nutritious, everyday food so they lose weight without deprivation, and we have an activity programme that helps members increase how much and how often they move, at their personal pace,” she said.

"In our groups, members get behaviour change support which helps them to understand themselves more deeply as a slimmer and change the way they think about food, activity and their weight. With over 55 years’ expertise in helping people lose weight and transform their lives, we believe Slimming World offers the very best package there is when it comes to helping people to adopt healthy habits for life.

"That’s why we’re committed to offering support to everyone, including providing wraparound care for members who are taking weight loss drugs alongside attending Slimming World.”

Currently 64 million people in the UK are living with excess weight and obesity. Karen said: “Many people join our groups after trying to lose weight beforehand, often alone and unsuccessfully. They understand they need support because it isn’t easy – and it’s even harder on your own.

"Whether you’re using weight loss medication or have had surgery, lasting change needs real support. My members form strong friendships in group, and there’s nothing quite like the motivation and accountability that comes from losing weight with others who understand the challenges. Being part of a group helps you to stay on track and committed until the changes you’re making become everyday habits.”

Despite more weight loss drugs now being available, a poll of 2,000 adults revealed 69 per cent of adults would still be unlikely to take them. Of those, 25 per cent say they don’t want to change the way they eat, drink and socialise, 21 per cent worried they wouldn’t be getting the nutrition they need for good health and 20 per cent say they love their food too much.

Karen said: “I often hear from new members how amazed they are that they can lose weight without feeling like they’re missing out. In fact in a recent survey of our members conducted by OnePoll, 85 per cent told us they were surprised they could lose weight while still eating foods they loved.”

The survey of members of Slimming World’s 13,000 community weight loss groups and online programme found that 89 per cent love losing weight while getting all the nutrients they need. Over three quarters of members questioned now make healthy, nutritious, filling meals that the whole family enjoys and 76 per cent feel proud that they’re passing on healthy habits to their families. Some 56 per cent report being surprised at how quickly they’ve lost weight since joining Slimming World.

Karen herself has lost eight-and-a-half stone since joining Slimming World in 2010 and maintained for over five years.

“I’m delighted with my weight loss, it’s something I never dreamed I’d be able to achieve,” she said. “I reduced my risks of many health issues, protected my future health and I’m fitter than I ever dreamed I would be.

“I was so utterly desperate to lose weight so I get it and that’s why I would never judge anyone for going down the route of weight loss injections. However, I’m personally glad I didn’t choose that option because I feel confident that I’ve learned how to make changes I can keep up forever – so I’ll never go back to the old me.”

She added: “I’ve changed the way I think about food and the expertise shared at group has helped me to see where and why my previous attempts at losing weight didn’t work. Now I know my triggers, I can spot when something might have the potential to send me off track and put a plan in place to protect my weight loss.”

Karen decided to train to become a consultant in 2011 to use her expertise to support others on their weight loss journeys.