Tackling obesity in men -- preliminary evaluation of men-only groups within a commercial slimming organization.
BACKGROUND
Over Slimming World's 36-year history men have always made up a small percentage of the slimming organization's membership. Past company research suggested that men would feel more comfortable in men-only groups rather than mixed. In 2002, Slimming World set a target to raise the awareness among men about the dangers of being overweight and made practical weight-management solutions more accessible through a national network of men's groups.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate men's weight loss within these 'men-only' groups.


METHODS
Data analysed included those men having attended a group for at least 8 weeks.


RESULTS
At the point of data collection average BMI had decreased from 35.9 to 32.5 kg m(-2). At least 5% weight loss was achieved in 90% of the sample. In those who had been members for 24 weeks 69% achieved a 10% weight loss. Shift working did not affect weight loss success.


CONCLUSIONS
This data shows that overweight and obese men attending Slimming World are successful at losing weight in this environment and can achieve recommended health-related weight loss targets. There should be a move to get away from the mis-perception that slimming groups are only for women and raise awareness of the commercial option to men.
Bye
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Nutrition Department, Slimming World, Somercotes, Alfreton, Derbyshire, UK.
Avery
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Lavin
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D002149:Energy Intake; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000502:physiology*