Obesity is one of the UK's most urgent health problems, and, in England, it's growing at 1.25 per cent each year. This means that by the end of 2009, another 675,000 people will be obese - that's 1,850 people every day becoming a statistic, and putting their long-term health at risk.  

Researchers at Slimming World have identified that if slimmers are successful in the first six weeks of a weight loss campaign, they're far more likely to carry on and lose weight in the long term. The motivation of a great start in those crucial first six weeks is strongly linked to would-be slimmers reaching their ultimate target weight and the longer they keep going to a slimming group the more likely they are to stay at their goal weight long term.  

Now we're is marking its 40th anniversary by unveiling a brand new eating plan which promises to make losing weight easier than ever before. Created by our expert team of nutritionists, the new plan, called 'Extra Easy', has been piloted throughout 2008 with highly successful results.  

Our new plan cuts right through all the conflicting advice around at this time of year to give a really easy, flexible start to every slimmer's journey. It's easy to follow with loads more choices, no measuring and no counting. And because it's based on basic everyday filling foods it fits easily with the family whatever their lifestyle.

In trials members had great results on the scales - as well as saving money on their weekly shopping bills!  In trials members who tried the new plan were enthusiastic about its flexibility and adaptability. They report that because it is so easy to follow, with no weighing or measuring, plenty of choice and enough freedom to still enjoy a glass of wine or chocolate it is easier than ever to stick to. 

Sue Kennedy, a member who has been trying the new eating plan since November says: "I had been struggling to get to my target weight and Extra Easy has made it feel less of a struggle. I love it! I lost 4lbs in two weeks - I'm very happy, it's going to be a slimmer New Year." 

The Extra Easy Plan is based around four main principles:  

• Choice and satisfaction: choosing healthier foods and eating to satisfy your appetite
• Sustainability: choosing normal everyday foods that fit with the whole family and can be cooked and prepared easily
• Affordability: choosing foods that fit with every budget and taste
• Healthy eating: based on a healthy balanced diet that includes all essential food groups and encourages slimmers to fill up on at least five fruit and vegetables a day

• Group support: through the support of a group, a Consultant or online, members learn to identify their own personal, emotional and mental blocks that prevent successful weight management. Ongoing support and encouragement boosts their confidence and self-esteem.
• Becoming more active:  building activity into their everyday life by taking small steps to make activity an intrinsic part of the day.
  

A truly easy weight loss plan is the holy grail for slimmers. Our new plan isn't magic - it does require people to change their eating habits and make healthier, low fat food choices. But we believe it genuinely is the most liberating and 'user friendly' weight loss plan currently available to slimmers in the UK, and we're 100% confident that anyone who tries it will lose weight.

To find out more about Extra Easy, visit our Extra Easy page here, or try it for FREE with our new 7-day eating plan!