Slimming

Article Type: Food facts From: Nutrition & Food Science, Volume 42, Issue 3

Slimming World and the Royal College of Midwives have joined forces in a unique partnership to support pregnant women and breastfeeding mums in managing their weight. The partnership brings together the world-class midwifery and maternity expertise of the RCM and Slimming World, the UK’s leading weight management organisation, with 42 years’ experience of helping people to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. The agreement sees Slimming World join the RCM’s Alliance Programme which aims to promote the work of the RCM to midwifery professionals, actively support midwifery and promote the interests of the RCM, midwives and mothers. Obesity in pregnancy can lead to serious complications for a mother and her developing child. It is estimated that over a quarter of women in the UK aged over 16 are obese. Slimming World champions healthy eating and sensible weight control in pregnancy and is the only national weight management organisation in the UK to provide specialist support to women before, during and after pregnancy.

With the consent and on-going recommendation of their midwife or GP, Slimming World actively works with women to address weight management issues. It makes a significant contribution in raising awareness about this issue in a real and practical way, helping women develop new healthy eating habits and moderate activity routines – through its weekly support groups – and in full support of the work of midwives. This partnership is a natural fit for Slimming World and the RCM, both of whom have the health and wellbeing of women and babies at their heart.