Lose Weight By Following A Group Or An Online Diet
If you need a kick start to lose weight one option is to follow a more formal diet. The more successful ones are diets which have some coaching or group support. This can be joining a group that meets regularly or following a plan online.
We have some options here that you may want to consider. But remember, the best changes you can make to your diet are the ones that are sustainable.
Please note: the Trust isn’t endorsing or recommending these programmes but just showing available options.
Dieting and keeping the weight off
Most diets do work to some degree but the hardest part is actually keeping the weight off. A lot of people may fall into a cycle of so-called 'yo-yo' dieting; losing weight, finishing the diet, then returning to their old patterns of eating and putting weight back on. There are some biological and hormonal reasons why your body will want to return to its pre-diet weight. Think of it a bit like a thermostat - your body will try to return to its set weight, like a thermostat will try to maintain the temperature.
The best way to maintain your new weight once the diet is complete is to continue to eat healthy, nourishing foods and be active.
Here's a selection of groups or plans to help you lose weight
Second Nature
Second Nature is a digital, lifestyle change programme. It helps you to lose weight by making small lifestyle changes that lead to big results. The programme combines support from your own registered nutritionist with the convenience of a digital programme.
Visit the Second Nature Better Health website
Noom
Noom is a subscription-based app for tracking a person's food intake and exercise habits.
The Noom app uses psychology principles, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, to help you make behavioural changes to your eating habits. The focus is to change your relationship with food to help you lose weight and keep it off.
Find out more about the Noom programme
10 week low carb programme
Do you have diabetes? Are you wanting to lose weight and improve your blood sugar levels?
The 10 week low carb programme may be worth considering. It’s an online programme, developed by dieticians.
It has been clinically demonstrated to help people:
- lose weight
- improve their HbA1c (measure of long term blood sugar control)
- reduce medications
- place conditions such as prediabetes and type 2 diabetes into remission.
Find out more about the Low Carb Programme
The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme
The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme could help you if you are living with obesity and also have diabetes, high blood pressure, or both. This free 12-week programme will help you develop healthier eating habits, be more active and lose weight. It is available via a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Your GP or pharmacist can refer you.
Read more about the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme information
Weight Watchers
Weight watchers helps you to create an eating plan tailored to your requirements. The plan uses a easy calorie-counting system that is based on your age, weight, height, and sex to help you lose weight in a healthy way. You can attend weight watchers meetings or track your diet online. Either way, there is a community that you can choose to access for support if you feel you need it.
Visit the Weight Watchers website
Slimming World
Slimming World offers a weight loss programme delivered either through weekly meetings with their Consultants or purely online. Their programmes and Consultants offer nutrition, fitness and wellbeing advice, with the end goal of helping you lose fat.
There is a fee to attend weekly meetings or to access their online information. They offer a free 7 day eating plan if you want to try before signing up.
Jane Plan
Don’t fancy counting calories or preparing meals? Jane Plan sends you calorie controlled ready prepared meals which you heat up at home - just add your own fruit and vegetables. There are resources and support available online. The plan aims to help you lose weight and learn life-long healthy habits.
Seeing a dietician or nutritionist
A dietician can give you some 1:1 advice and develop a plan that’s personalised to you.
A dietitian is a nutrition professional who is governed and regulated by law. In the UK, dietitians must be registered. The role of a dietitian is to provide guidance to individuals in relation to their health concerns and some will specialise in weight loss. They can advise you on dietary matters related to health conditions such as allergies, diabetes, eating disorders, malnutrition and other disorders of the body. They also work with healthy people to enhance their diet.
Dieticians cost between £70-130 per hour.
Find a registered dietician in the UK here
A nutritionist is an individual who is qualified to give information and advice about dietary choices, but not in relation to specific medical conditions.
Nutritionists start at around £50 per hour and are a good option if you want to eat more healthily but don’t have a specific illness or condition that needs addressing.
Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist but only those who are registered with the Association for Nutrition (AfN) can use the title of Registered Nutritionist (ANutr or RNutr).
Find a registered nutritionist in the UK here
Lose weight by making small changes
Find out how small changes to diet and lifestyle can help you lose weight
