HOW NEW-LOOK CLASSES INTEND TO OFFER SAFE AND SOUND WEIGHT LOSS AFTER WAKE-UP CALL OVER COVID-19 RISK FACTORS AND OBESITY

'GETTING BACK TOGETHER WITH OUR SLIMMING WORLD GROUPS HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL'

HUNDREDS of Slimming World devotees in Atherstone are hitting the 'reset' button and heading back to class after months of enforced lockdown.

Members old and new are returning under strict Covid-safety guidelines in pre-booked weigh-ins at the town's red Lion Hotel and The Grove Sports and Social.

Over the last 22 weeks Slimming World groups across the district have continued to meet through a "virtual" service – with online attendance catering for up to 600 people locally and almost a one million-strong membership in 19,000 community groups across the UK and Ireland.

But area team developer Sandra Forbes explains that the UK's leading weight loss organisation has provided vital support to help those determined to maintain a healthy lifestyle during lockdown.

Now back – with the Grendon classes scheduled to start at the beginning of next month – Slimming World has become a committed partner in the NHS Better Health campaign which is one of the Government's raft of measures to tackle obesity.

The latest Covid-19 statistics show that managing a healthy weight has never been more important, according to a Public Health England study.

Early evidence on the spectrum of symptoms caused by Covid-19 has identified that people with obesity could have an increased risk of hospitalisation and dying from the virus.

Two-thirds – 63 per cent – of UK adults are above a healthy weight, with 36 per cent overweight and 28 per cent obese, according to Government data.

One in three children aged 10 to 11 are overweight or obese, and children living with obesity are five times more likely to become obese adults.

Government-backed 12-week health plans are set to be rolled out as part of a once-sceptical Prime Minister's obesity strategy, with GPs able to hand out "cycling prescriptions", it has been confirmed.

The move comes after Boris Johnson revealed his own brush with Covid-19, which saw him require intensive care in April, convinced him of the need to tackle Britain's bulging waistlines.

He admitted to being "way overweight" and has since lost at least a stone.

The highly-interventionist approach marks a U-turn for Mr Johnson, who until recently has been a vocal opponent of "sin taxes" and perceived "nannying" by the state.

A Government spokeswoman said: "Covid-19 has given us all a wake-up call of the immediate and long-term risks of being overweight, and the Prime Minister is clear we must use this moment to get healthier, more active and eat better."

Lead consultant Ms Forbes said: "It's been a real worry for our members.

"But I'm super proud we are now a partner in the NHS Better Health campaign.

"Now is the time to seize the opportunity to 'reset' after months of lockdown.

"We are 'back together' and it has been absolutely wonderful to welcome back our Atherstone Slimming World members in both of our groups."

Current members wanting to return to Atherstone classes on a Thursday at the Red Lion can pre-book by contacting Rachel Plumb on 07720 658177.

To pre-book the Saturday group at The Grove, contact Sandra on 07949 580215.

And the Grendon Slimming World group, run by Jess Glover, starts back at Grendon Community Centre on Wednesday, September 16.

Numbers are limited and so pre-booking for existing and new members is essential, she said. She can be contacted on 07847 698506.

Jess also looks after the Saturday morning group at Hartshill Sports and Social Club.

The organisation has instigated a nationwide protection plan for the regulars and newcomers to the classes.

They include:

• A one-way system to help you safely move around the room;
• Sneeze screens to ensure you and your group's social team can remain safe at the scales;
• Posters and floor markers to help everyone maintain the right social distance;
• Wipes/hand sanitiser provided for use throughout the session; and
• Seats placed at least one metre apart.

For the time being, you will be asked to:

• Bring your own drink – either in a flask, bottle or can – until we can safely reopen the kitchen facilities;
• Keep your shoes on at the scales (and you might want to wear the same shoes each week);
• Bring your own pen to fill in your progress page;
• Bring your own carrier bag if you're planning to visit the shop;
• Bring your own personal wipes/hand sanitiser to keep your hands clean and – to help keep yourself, your consultant and other members safe – to wipe down your chair at the end of the group; and
• Pay by contactless if possible.

SLIMMING WORLD FACTFILE

- It supports nearly one million members in the UK;

- Slimming World's new partnership gives it an essential role in the health of the nation, according to CEO Caryl Richards.