The News of the World this week reported that doctors in the North West are spending twice as much on obesity drugs as they do in the south, with £8.3million spent on diet pills in Manchester and Liverpool in a year. The smallest bill for pills was the South Central Health Authority which spent only £2.6million. The article claims that the NHS is set to spend £50million on obesity drugs this year. 

Is there an alternative?  Yes, yes, yes! 

Slimming World pioneered Slimming World on Referral as a way of working hand in hand with UK health professionals to help manage overweight and obesity from within the heart of local communities. The scheme is designed so that health professionals – from a single GP practice to a local health authority – can buy 12-week Countdown packs at a subsidised cost, while the patient benefits from Slimming World’s expertise and support free of charge. 

Members who are referred to Slimming World by their GP receive a 12 week course that costs just £44.50 – around ⅓ of the price of a 3 month course of anti-obesity drugs and at a fraction of the cost of a stomach stapling operation at around £7,000. People who attend Slimming World on Referral learn how to change the way they eat, become more active and receive the warm and friendly support of a group. They learn how to make the lasting lifestyle changes that will help them lose weight effectively and in the long-term – saving the NHS money and being more effective!  

Dr James Stubbs, research officer at Slimming World says: “The key to successful and long-term weight loss and maintenance is to make healthy habits a part of your everyday lifestyle. Research has also shown that the support that you receive at a Slimming World group plays a key role in boosting your confidence to make the changes and keep weight off in the long term.” 

Visit our Real Success section to discover how Slimming World on Referral was just what the doctor ordered for members Patricia and Lyndsey:
 www.slimmingworld.com/real_success/letter_patricia_hart.asp
www.slimmingworld.com/real_success/letter_lyndsey_stanley.asp