Can pregnant members still attend Slimming World?

Can members still come to Slimming World while breastfeeding?

Is Food Optimising suitable for people with diabetes?

Is Food Optimising suitable for people with IBS?

Is Food Optimising suitable for people with coeliac disease?

Is Food Optimising suitable for people with a intolerance to lactose?

Q: Can pregnant members still attend Slimming World?

A: Yes, with the support of their midwife. Slimming World's Food Optimising system provides a healthy, well-balanced diet and an ideal way to prevent excess weight gain when pregnant. We have developed a policy with the support of the Royal College of Midwives in which we ask pregnant members to get their midwife's consent to continue attending their group. A pregnancy form is available from Consultants and must be signed by the midwife at each check-up throughout the pregnancy.

Slimming World Consultants do not advise on weight change during a members' pregnancy. However, a member may be given specific advice regarding her weight from her midwife depending on individual circumstances. The pregnancy form enables the Consultant to help and support the member in managing her weight solely in the way suggested by her midwife. This ensures the Consultant can support the member in managing their weight in the way that is totally safe for her and her baby.

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Q: Can members still come to Slimming World while breastfeeding?

A: Once her baby is 6 weeks old and our member has had her post-natal check-up, she is welcome to return to Slimming World with her health visitor, midwife or doctor’s consent. Because the body needs extra energy and calcium while breastfeeding we recommend an increase in Healthy Extra choices. A free booklet outlining these recommendations is available from their Consultant.

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Q: Is Food Optimising suitable for people with diabetes?

A: Yes. Slimming World’s eating plan, Food Optimising provides a healthy, balanced diet. Unlike many other diets or eating plans, the generosity and flexibility of Food Optimising means it is suitable for practically every dietary requirement or preference. As with all medical conditions, we always advise that members follow the medical and dietary advice given by their health care team. Our Consultants cannot give specific advice relating to medical conditions, but they will help members to incorporate any dietary recommendations into Food Optimising and support the member in weight management. Many of our members with diabetes have found their blood glucose levels and general health have improved significantly since following Food Optimising and a number also report that they require less medication now they have lost weight. We have a specific booklet available in group, for our members with diabetes, which details the general dietary advice from Diabetes UK and explains how this advice fits with Food Optimising.

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Q: Is Food Optimising suitable for people with IBS?

A: Yes. Many of our members with IBS have found the condition and their general health have improved significantly since beginning to Food Optimise. Because Food Optimising allows members to choose the foods they want to eat, it is easy to avoid or limit any foods that aggravate their IBS symptoms. As with all medical conditions we recommend that members consult their GP and always follow any treatment suggested by their doctor or hospital.

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Q: Is Food Optimising suitable for people with coeliac disease?

A: Yes. Unlike other diets or eating plans, the generosity and flexibility of Food Optimising means that it is suitable for practically every dietary requirement or preference, including a gluten-free diet. Because Food Optimising is based on personal food choice it is easy for members to to incorporate their own requirements into the system. Many gluten-free products are listed in our information and all Slimming World Consultants have information available to them to help support their members regarding a gluten-free diet. As with all medical conditions we recommend that members consult their GP and always follow any treatment suggested by their doctor or hospital.

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Q: Is Food Optimising suitable for people with a intolerance to lactose?

A: Yes. Having to avoid or limit dairy products for medical needs or simply preferring a low-dairy diet is no problem when Food Optimising. Because no food is banned, members choose the foods they want to eat and build up their own meal plans, allowing them to easily to incorporate their personal dietary needs. One particular section of our Food Optimising system, the Healthy Extra ‘a’ section, may require more careful consideration when planning meals and snacks. This encourages members to obtain a good source of calcium each day however, many of the foods listed in this section are dairy products. Non-diary options are also incorporated, including calcium-enriched soya milk and rice milk. Calcium-rich rice slices are available as an alternative to cheese. As with all medical conditions we recommend that members consult their GP and always follow any treatment suggested by their doctor or hospital.

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*References on this page:
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.