Weight Loss and Weight Management Groups, Plans and Tools

May 22, 2023 Weight Loss

 

Weight gain can occur for many reasons. These include health issues, higher calorie diets, mental health struggles, mobility issues and more. It’s easy for people to assume reasons for weight gain but none of us know what is going on in someone else’s life. It can be hard to lose weight, particularly if not motivated or if you don’t have support. 

Slimming groups and eating plans can offer information and support, as well as accountability for some people looking to lose weight. One size does not fit all so it’s wise to look at numerous options to see what will work best for you and your needs and lifestyle.

We look at different popular plans and other ways you can lose weight or find support to do so. 

 

Paid Weight Loss Membership Options

There are several different paid weight loss plans which might be of interest if you are looking to lose weight and need some support and accountability.

 

Weight Watchers - Online and In-Person Slimming Plans

Weight Watchers (WW) has been around since the 60s and the plan itself has changed over time to take into account current developments in the nutritional and health world. Weight Watchers looks at changing not just what you eat but your lifestyle and how you think about food and nutrition.

These days WW offers simplified plans that you can tailor to your needs. It’s a very accessible way to lose weight as you can go to a local group for in-person support but you can also access the plan and more online. WW are very good for accountability and rewarding your milestones. Those joining up are encouraged to lose at least 5% of their weight which can have significant health benefits. Visit the Weight Watchers site to discover the current plans. 

 

Slimming World - Flexible Eating Plans With Support

Slimming World is a popular healthy eating plan that involves in-house local meetings as well as a digital-only service. Slimming World prides itself on being a flexible way to lose weight, rather than being very restrictive. It focuses on making healthy choices and changing the way you look at food without having to give up your favourite foods. 

There’s no calorie counting with Slimming World so it’s important to consider portion control as part of your journey but to also choose foods that keep you fuller for longer. When enrolled in SW there are many ways to celebrate your milestones and you are also encouraged to increase your exercise. This is called Body Magic.

Find out more about Slimming World on their website.

 

Noom - Changing Habits for Healthy Weight Loss

Noom is a sustainable weight loss programme based on enjoying the foods you love. Noom is accessed online so there aren’t any in-person classes or support groups to go to. Noom looks at long-term positive changes through behaviour and habit changes. They don’t like restrictive dieting and have a keen focus on goals and healthy habits alongside a healthy and convenient plan. There are colour-coded food lists and the whole system is based on positive psychology. If this sounds like it might be for you, find out more on the Noom website.

 

Free NHS Weight Loss Plan

If you are looking for a free weight-loss plan the NHS Weight Loss Plan is an online plan with an app that can help you kickstart your weight loss in a healthy and sustainable way. It helps you set goals, put together meal plans, track food and exercise, and more. Healthy food swaps, portion sizes and an easy-to-access plan that is based on NHS best practice and is free is a good place to start if you are looking to make positive changes to lose weight in a safe and sustainable way.

 

Weight Loss Support at Simply Meds Online

Sadly, losing weight can be difficult, particularly for those with limited mobility or certain health conditions. Here at Simply Meds Online, we stock a number of licenced medications used to help individuals lose weight. Orlistat, Alli and Xenical are all available via our pharmacy and are suitable for those with a BMI of over 28. 

These medications inhibit absorption of dietry fat. You evacuate some of the fat you ingest when you use the bathroom. Some people find these types of medications very useful to kickstart their weight loss and give it a boost alongside a healthy eating plan or diet. These work better on a lower-fat diet as those eating a high-fat diet and taking these medications can find they cause loose bowels and digestive issues.

You might have heard in the news that Saxenda is now more available in the UK for those looking to lose weight. Saxenda is a daily injection that you administer at home which can boost weight loss. It is reported to reduce appetite, and it slows down the movement of food in your body, keeping you feeling fuller for longer. This is a prescription-only medication which can be accessed via our pharmacy. Saxenda is a good weight loss tool for those who are struggling to lose weight and need a boost and should be used alongside a healthy eating plan and where appropriate, some sort of support.

 

Weight Loss Plans and Support - In Conclusion

It’s important to remember that when trying to lose weight that doing so in a healthy and sustainable way. Crash diets don’t work, certainly not for the long term and are not good for you. A calorie deficit is a popular option and works well for a lot of people. Coupled with exercise, a healthy eating plan like this can make a big difference to those looking to lose weight and keep weight off. 

Even with the best diet plan, willpower and motivation need to play a part in weight loss to be successful. For those who struggle some treatments can help that are available here at Simply Meds Online. 

When changing the way you eat make sure that you are still getting all of the vitamins and minerals that you need. A supplement can be helpful for this and can also support increased exercise.

If you are worried about your weight and any health issues, speak to your GP.