Slimming World is involved in research in a number of different areas: collection of data assessing the effectiveness of Slimming World, funding research on appetite regulation and weight management, assessing the feasibility of health professional referral to Slimming World, furthering the understanding of causes and treatment of obesity through the funding of projects from Slimming World and Slimming World's charity, SMILES.

External research - Collaborative Projects with Universities

• Predictors of outcome in an attempt to lose weight
  • Caroline Cawley, Dr Peter Hajek (1998).St Barts & Royal London School of Medicine & Dentistry
• What factors differentiate between successful and unsuccessful weight reducers?
  • Commissioned by Slimming World. Charlie Powell, Dr Margo Barker, Dr Jacquie Lavin, University of Sheffield, 2000.
• Investigation of possible socio-economic factors associated with SW attendance and weight loss
  • Commissioned by Slimming World. Sarah Kimberly, Dr Jo Cadogan, Dr Jacquie Lavin, University of Sheffield, 2001.
• Length of membership and weight loss of current members in a random sample of classes
  • Commissioned by Slimming World. Vaso Gastari, Dr Margo Barker, Dr Jacquie Lavin, University of Sheffield, 1999.

Slimming World funded research

a) Independent research

• Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen: effects of different macronutrients on appetite
• Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen: physiological & psychological changes with different types of weight loss
• MRC Human Nutrition Research, Cambridge: n3 fatty acids and obesity treatment & health
• Sheffield University: fat metabolism, leptin, energy balance

b) Collaborative research

• BBSRC LINK programme with Liverpool University
  • Investigation of the effects of behavioural strategies advocated to modify appetite on the development of satiety and meal size.
• Body Magic study with Bristol University
  • Evaluating the uptake of physical activity in Slimming World
• Collaborative projects with Primary Care - Slimming World on Referral schemes. For further information, please click here.

SMILES funded research - Donations given to support research

• 1998
  • MRC Human Nutrition Research, Cambridge, Prof Andrew Prentice & Fiona Leahy
  • Feeding frequency, energy metabolism & appetite
• 1999
  • University of Luton, Dr Catherine Eagles
  • Role of exercise intensity in weight control
• 2000
  • Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen, Dr James Stubbs
  • Protein supplementation subsequent to weight loss

Internal data collection

• Member Weight record analysis
• Consultant questionnaires
• Magazine member surveys
• Slimming World on Referral service evaluation