23 September 2013
Support for students to eat healthily this autumn
As new research shows four in five students gain weight at university, slimming groups in Stretford are offering a slimmed-down price for students in the area who want to get support to manage their weight this autumn.
The study of 1,055 current and former students by Slimming World* found that 82% of people put on weight during their time at university, with more than a quarter (26%) gaining between one and two stones.
So to support students who are worried about putting on pounds or those who are already finding it hard to eat healthily on their tight budget, Slimming World is launching its ‘Student Special’ offer. Between September 30th and November 2nd the organisation is offering all students aged 16 to 21 the chance to join one of its groups for free. They’ll save £10 on their first visit** and get support each week to develop healthy habits that will see them through their studies and the rest of their life.
Steve, who runs the Stretford Slimming World groups at Trafford Social Club every week, welcomes the offer and hopes it will help prevent students in the local area – whether that’s those heading off to university in other towns or cities or those studying in Stretford/Old Trafford – becoming unhappy with their weight.
He says: “Obesity doesn’t just affect people when they get older, it’s a problem for people of all ages, and we’re seeing more and more young people struggling. Some are so severely overweight that it’s affecting their physical health and mental wellbeing. It has a huge impact on their self-esteem and confidence and it’s heart-breaking to see young people feeling unhappy and ashamed of themselves, that’s why it’s so very important that they get the right support to lose weight, so they enjoy good health and feel great as they become adults.
“It’s no surprise that many students start to gain weight at uni,” Steve adds. “Heading off to study away from home is a really key time because, without mum and dad to cook for you, you become responsible for your own eating habits for the first time and there’s often a really busy social scene too. At Slimming World we treat everyone – whatever their age – like an adult. Instead of telling people what to do or what to eat we equip them with the skills to cook simple and satisfying meals that don’t have to cost the earth, and to make healthy choices that fit in with their lives without them having to miss out on having fun.
“I’d love to show students in Stretford that it really is possible to eat healthily and manage your weight while still enjoying student life, and I’d encourage anyone who’s interested in finding out more about how to come along to our group. It’s a great way to make friends and share experiences too.”
He says: “I gained around 3 stone during my time at university. My cooking skills were non-existent and I basically lived off takeaways, convenience foods and junk like crisps and chocolate. I thought trying to lose weight would mean having to give up my favourite foods and miss out on doing things with my friends so I didn’t bother. When I joined Slimming World I realised how wrong I’d been. I can’t believe what a big difference making just small changes has made, I still have all my favourite foods but I’ve learned how to cook them without the need for ready meals and sauces and I can still have a treat or enjoy a night out too. It’s just about balance.
“Joining Slimming World was the best thing I ever did. Everyone made me feel so welcome from the very first night and I feel fitter, healthier and happier than ever. I’m more confident and I can wear any clothes I want now – I finally feel normal. I’d encourage anyone who wants to slim down to be brave and give it a go, I’ve never once regretted it!”
Slimming World’s ‘Student Special’ runs from September 30th to November 2nd. During that period any students aged 16 to 21 who bring a special voucher, available on Slimming World’s website, to a group will save £10/€18 so they pay just £4.95/€9 in their first week. There’s also a new area of Slimming World’s website with loads of free tips, budget recipes and advice for students. For more information or to download a Free Membership voucher visit www.slimmingworld.com/student
The Stretford Slimming World group is held every Wednesday at 5.30 and 7.30 at Trafford Social Club, Stretford. To join simply pop along!
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Notes to Editors
- The information within this press release and accompanying images are not for syndication to a national newspaper, magazine or news agency.
About Slimming World
Slimming World was founded by Margaret Miles-Bramwell (OBE, FRSA) 44 years ago and there are now more than 10,000 groups held weekly nationwide via a network of more than 3,500 Slimming World Consultants who receive specific training in dietary aspects and the role of physical activity in weight control. The highly developed training focuses on facilitating behaviour change in a caring group environment, acknowledged by experts as being the most effective way to support long-term weight management. Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, Food Optimising, and the principles behind Slimming World’s philosophy are based on a deep understanding of the challenges faced by overweight people. It integrates practical, up-to-date dietary advice with a highly developed support system based on caring and compassion. For more information visit www.slimmingworld.com or call 0844 897 8000.
*Research taken from a survey of 1,055 Slimming World members who were all current or former university students at the time of completing the survey. The survey was conducted via Slimming World’s website for members LifelineOnline in August 2013.
**Student Special:
From September 30th Slimming World is launching Free Membership for students aged 16 to 21. Students who bring a special voucher, available on Slimming World’s website, to a group before November 2nd will save £10/€18, so they pay just £4.95/€9 in their first week. There’s also an area of the website with loads of free tips, budget recipes and advice for students. For more information or to get your Free Membership voucher visit www.slimmingworld.com/student