How does it work?

Slimming World on Referral gives GPs, nurses and other health professionals the opportunity to offer free membership of a local Slimming World group to those patients who they feel would benefit. Referred patients attend at no cost to themselves for an initial 12-week period; the cost to the NHS is subsidised by Slimming World.

Our standard Slimming World on Referral package consists of 12 weekly group sessions and additional support (telephone, buddy system and free online support) in between group meetings as required by individuals.  The package covers 12 consecutive weeks attendance. Continuation vouchers are available for a further 12 weeks should you wish to offer an extension of the service to some patients. 

The service operates via a voucher system.  These are pre-purchased by the NHS.  Patients are provided with a referral voucher pack by a health professional (typically a GP, nurse or Health Trainer) and these are redeemed at a local Slimming World group.  No booking is required, although the patient will have the contact details of the Slimming World Consultant and may choose to telephone before attending.

Patients referred to the scheme will:

• Keep a personal log of their weight changes at each weekly session
• Record all their food intake for the first 4 weeks, thereafter being able to elect whether to record all food intake or just measure intake of the controlled foods 
• Record their activity on a ‘Fit Log’ if they choose to use this tool – self reporting their activity levels to qualify for the range of awards