Workplace schemes Slimming World - working together to improve the health and wellbeing of NHS employees - University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay ...
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Slimming World
workplace schemes
working together to improve
the health and wellbeing
of NHS employees
empowering staff
to improve their health
through
weight management
Joanne Allen, Workplace Health & Wellbeing Lead at Slimming World
Forward-thinking employers know that it’s possible, with a few effective actions, to promote a healthy
weight environment at work, and it’s undoubtedly an investment worth making for the future.
Encouraging staff and supporting them to manage their weight by providing a healthy workplace reduces sickness
absenteeism, which can have a direct impact on patient care. Public Health England estimates that staff absence due to
poor health costs the service approximately £2.4 billion a year – around two and a half percent of the total NHS budget1.
Slimming World Workplace schemes
For some time, Slimming World has offered Workplace schemes working in partnership with a range of organisations
including Public Health England, Royal Mail, Jaguar, npower and West Midlands Ambulance Service. NICE recognises
organisations like Slimming World as being an effective and healthy way for people to lose weight, and those who join the
programme typically lose around five percent of their starting weight in 12 weeks.
Being overweight or obese is associated with a higher likelihood of suffering numerous chronic illnesses including
cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, joint disorders and certain types of cancer, and poor physical health also increases
the risk of people developing mental health conditions. With 62% of UK adults now classed as overweight or obese2, and
the NHS workforce is not immune – for example one in four nurses are now obese3 − supporting employees to lose weight,
and maintain a healthy weight is essential.
Addressing obesity and its impact on employee health and wellbeing is something that can make a real difference to a
happy, motivated and productive workforce.
Slimming World operates flexible Workplace schemes with employees’ wellbeing in mind. The most common and effective
scheme is joining a 12-week programme at a Slimming World community group where members are inspired and motivated
to make long term healthy lifestyle changes to their diet and to become more active. As well as the support of a Slimming
World Consultant and fellow members, group membership includes free 24/7 online access. Alternatively, employees can
become members of Slimming World Online and access the programme on their own.
To learn more about signing up to Slimming World’s Workplace scheme, email
workplace.wellbeing@slimmingworld.co.uk or visit slimmingworld.co.uk
References
1 May 2018
2 Health Survey for England, 2015 http://www.content.digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB22610
3 https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/7/12/e018498
University Hospitals Morecambe Bay
University Hospitals Morecambe Bay has been offering staff discounted rates to attend Slimming
World sessions since April 2016, helping 377 colleagues in that time.
Matron Clare Hill has been thrilled by the popularity of the scheme:
We introduced the Slimming World Workplace Scheme as we wanted to help our staff take control of
their health.
We have recently asked staff to attend the department for a Mini MOT (baseline) prior to starting their 12-week
Slimming World programme, and then return once they have completed it. We can then measure the benefits to
their health – both physical and mental – through diet change, weight loss and anything else introduced such as
exercise, reduction of alcohol intake etc.
Slimming World continues to be popular with all groups of staff across our three hospital sites, and I feel it is actively
encouraging our staff to think about their current lifestyle choices and make positive changes.
Dr Colin Brown
Date joined Slimming World: September 2018
Starting weight: 18st 9lbs
Current weight: 16st
Weight loss: 2st 9lbs
Colin, 56, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Chief Clinical Information
Officer, lives in Lancaster with his wife and two children. He was
offered a 12-week programme at a Slimming World community group
by his employer, University Hospitals Morecambe Bay.
I moved to Lancaster 23 years ago to become a Consultant Physician; I
used to love playing rugby but having such a high-pressured job meant I didn’t
have time to play any more and the weight slowly crept on.
I’ve tried dieting over the last five years but have never managed to maintain
a lower weight for very long. I heard that my employer was offering colleagues
the opportunity to join Slimming World via email and through our Corporate
Communications department and felt the support I could potentially receive
by taking up the offer would guarantee I met my weight-loss goals.
I was primarily worried about fitting in a local group around my work commitments, but
I’ve found one that works for me. My Slimming World Consultant has been engaging,
encouraging and fun, and I’ve found going to group a good experience; full of nice people all
in it together! Colin before
Initially my colleagues were surprised that I’d joined Slimming World, but since seeing
my weight loss they’ve been nothing but pleased and supportive. I’ve found, since losing
weight, that I now sleep properly, I fit into a leather jacket I last wore 23 years ago, and I generally have more
energy at work. If any of my colleagues ask about Slimming World, I’d definitely recommend they take up our
employer’s offer.
I’m sleeping better, and I
generally have more energy at work!
ious!
be delicwith
Slimming
World join
Slimming
World
for FREE!
free group save £15 on
online membership
membership
Sign up for our Weight and Health Now email If you can’t get to a group or would prefer to
newsletter (www.slimmingworld.co.uk/health) follow our programme online, join Slimming
and get free membership for your nearest World Online and save £15/€25 with this
Slimming World group. At group you’ll meet other exclusive discount. Slimming World Online
slimmers, share motivation and gain practical has all the tools you need to lose weight
advice in a warm and friendly environment. successfully and stay on track, including a
new weight-loss planner, motivational tips and
Take this page along and show it in group* (print inspirational stories from other members. Visit
or on your phone); Join now and save £10/€18 slimmingworld.co.uk/nhshealthandwellbeing
so you pay only £4.95/€9 in your first week. before midnight on Sunday 14th April 2019
(Standard first week fee is £14.95/€27 or £10/€18 and enter voucher code NHS0319 to save
to enrol plus £4.95/€9 weekly fee). Offer valid from
£15/€25.
18th March to 31st March 2019 (dates inclusive).
To find your nearest Slimming World group visit slimmingworld.co.uk
or call 0344 897 8000 (in the ROI 01 656 9696).
For full terms and conditions of both group and online offers,
please visit slimmingworld.co.uk/nhshealthandwellbeing-terms
*Consultants: Please use NHS EHWC Mar19 offer in the drop down menu on XpressWeigh.
discover more easy recipes online!
slimmingworld.co.uk
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