Page 48 • The HERALD • 29th January 2026 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SPECIALISTS v Health, Beauty & Wellbeing Thursdays - 7am & 9am St John’s Church Hall, Hythe Karen 07590 516009 The next Herald is out on 19th February Slimming Groups Are Here To Stay Weight loss drugs can’t replace the power of group support for lasting weight loss, says local expert. A Slimming World Consultant from Hythe says slimming clubs are needed more than ever despite the growing popularity of weight loss medication. While the arrival of weight loss injections like Ozempic, Wegovy Oxford study1 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 a erwards. Karen says Slimming World’s approach is focused on helping its members to make lasting changes. She says: “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. 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 overweight and obesity. Karen says: “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.” Kim has lost 2 1/2 st since joining Slimming World in 12 weeks She says: “I’m delighted with my weight loss, it’s something I never dreamed I’d be able to achieve. While I wouldn’t ever judge someone for going down the route of weight loss injections, 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. “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. I’m so grateful to Slimming World.” 1 Study presented by the University of Oxford at the European Congress on Obesity 2025 and Mounjaro have undoubtedly changed the weight management landscape, Karen, who runs a group in St John’s Hall in Hythe, says the drugs will never replace weight-loss methods based on lifestyle changes, like Slimming World. She says: “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. 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 Slimming World Consultant Karen Wyatt Tai Chi for Fitness & Health continues to grow in popularity; sessions take place on Mondays 9.25am at Colbury Memorial Hall. £5 per session when you attend. Tutored by New Forest Martial Arts sta . Tai Chi for Fitness & Health
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