Slimming World is changing its plan rules so that members using weight loss medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro are eligible for its Slimmer of the Week and Slimmer of the Month awards, as well as its member competitions.
The weight loss organisation said the update means every member, whether on medication or not, will be treated the same and recognised using the same criteria. The change follows a review of member data and feedback from its Consultants and members.
Why the rules are changing
Slimming World said it is making the change as a result of the increased use of GLP-1 medications, which some members are using alongside following the food optimising plan. The organisation stated: "Every member should feel welcomed, supported and fully included."
Slimmer of the Week and Slimmer of the Month are member recognition awards based on weight loss over a set period, while member competitions are assessed on a wider range of criteria alongside weight loss. Slimming World supports members through its 12,000 community groups across the UK and Ireland and its digital service.
What the managing director said
Slimming World's Managing Director, Lisa Salmon, said: "When GLP-1 weight loss medications first became more widely available, there was limited understanding of how these medications might influence members' weight loss journeys. Over the past two years, we've built a clearer picture through our own data and our members' experiences."
She added: "We now know that members who engage with Slimming World's programme and attend group regularly achieve excellent results, whether they're using weight loss medication or not. Reflecting this, we’re updating our awards and competitions to include members who’ve used or are using weight loss medication."
Salmon also said: "Experts are agreed that medication alone is not enough to help people make long-term changes, which is why we believe weight loss medication should be partnered with evidence-based support, delivered with empathy and compassion."
Commitment to fair recognition
Salmon continued: "Whether they're taking weight loss medication or not, people come to Slimming World for the same reasons. They want to learn healthier habits, gain confidence, feel part of a supportive community and build the skills needed to manage their weight for the long term. We're committed to doing exactly that for everyone who chooses Slimming World."
She referenced the organisation's founder, saying: "Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE founded Slimming World on the belief that every person who walks through our doors should feel welcomed, supported and never judged. That's what I experienced myself when I joined as a member more than 20 years ago."
"This change reflects that commitment today. It ensures all members are treated fairly and consistently, and that everyone can be recognised and celebrated for their achievements as part of our supportive community," she added.
Previous GLP-1 support launch
This is the latest change to recognise the increasing use of GLP-1 medications. In May, Slimming World announced it was launching dedicated GLP-1 support, designed to help people using weight loss medication build the healthy habits they need to achieve and sustain their weight loss for life.
That support included weekly in-person support, a specialist booklet and a dedicated GLP-1 online hub with support and advice. The organisation said the move reflected "a clear and consistent belief while medication can play a role in weight loss, lasting success comes from getting the support to make changes around food, drink and exercise and build positive lasting habits – not medication alone".
Speaking at the time, Lisa Salmon said: "We’ve always steadfastly believed our methods can help anyone to lose weight, and our mission has always been to support anyone and everyone who wants help to do that. As more people turn to GLP-1 medications and they are now undeniably part of the weight management landscape, that hasn’t changed."
"Everyone is agreed that these medications don’t work long term on their own, they need to be partnered with evidence-based wraparound support," she added.
