Evidence base

• The scheme was pioneered by Slimming World and Southern Derbyshire Health Authority
• The initial research study investigated the feasibility, practicalities and cost-effectiveness of referring patients from Primary Care into Slimming World groups1 (click to go to reference).  As well as helping patients lose weight, significant improvements in mental well-being were reported after 12 weeks.  Over 70% of those completing the free 12 weeks also went on to fund themselves.  The service was shown to be far more cost-effective than drug treatment and also less expensive than many in-house options. 
• Almost 15,000 patient places have been purchased to date
  • Data from the first 2,100 members to finish 12 week programme
    • 34% were considered to be morbidly obese
    • Average attendance was 9.4 weeks (of 12)
    • 64% completed the programme (10 of 12 weeks)
    • Average weight loss of completers was 5.5% (4.2% across total population)
    • 55% completers lost ≥ 5% body weight (39% of total population)
    • Non-completers attended an average of 5.6 weeks and lost 2.1% of bodyweight

1 Lavin et al. Feasibility and benefits of implementing a Slimming on Referral service in primary care using a commercial weight management partner. Public Health (2006) 120, 872-881.

2 Improvements in mental well-being during weight loss on a Slimming World on Referral programme -
April 2006 (PDF, 594Kb)

3 An innovative partnership to support weight loss in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea
December 2005 (Word, 451Kb)