Slimming World – a “healthy and enjoyable way to lose weight”

Slimming World consultants Jayne, Matt and Kathy from Melksham say this January they’ll be saying goodbye to the term ‘Syns’ following a review of the organisation’s language and terminology. 

Slimming World has also introduced a new ‘Healthy Extras’ category within its plan for healthy fats. That means foods like avocado, olive oil and nut butters will be even easier for members to incorporate into their week with an even greater focus on the health benefits of these foods.

Commenting on the changes, Jayne, Matt and Kathy who run groups in Berryfields, Bowerhill and Melksham Guide Hut in the town centre said, “Our ethos is to inspire and motivate people to make positive mindset changes and develop lasting healthy habits around food and activity – all in a culture of care, respect and understanding.

“With the rising popularity of weight loss medications, effective and evidence-based support like Slimming World’s is more important than ever.  We want to make sure everyone knows they’ll be welcome and supported in our groups, whether they’re using the medication or not. That’s what this change is about. Language matters and we know the term ‘Syns’ is sometimes misunderstood or can be a barrier for people who want and need support to reach a healthy weight.

“Slimming World’s healthy eating plan has helped millions of people to lose weight over the past 56 years. It’s a flexible plan that’s centred around 350 basic Free Foods which can be eaten freely to satisfy your appetite, with no need to weigh or measure them. These include lean meats, poultry, fish, plant-based proteins, eggs, beans, fruit and veg, grains, potatoes and pasta.

“From January 2026, those foods that are least satiating and high in energy density – foods like alcohol, crisps, chocolates or everyday essentials (a bit of butter, sauce or gravy with a meal) – will be called Swips. These foods are important because being able to enjoy your favourite foods without guilt makes the plan easier to stick to, so members can make lasting changes.”

Jayne, who runs the Berryfield group, became a Slimming World member herself in 2016 says: “Our goal has always been to take away any guilt people feel around food and weight, by offering a healthy, flexible and sustainable way of eating that fits real lives. We’ve had feedback that the word Syn suggested we wanted to make people feel ashamed about eating those higher calorie foods – which couldn’t be further from the truth. However, we recognise the power and impact of words, so while we’ve never wanted to make people feel guilty, ashamed or judged, it was important that we listened and made a change.”

From the new year, the new ‘Healthy Extras’ will also encourage the inclusion of healthy fats into members’ diets, such as nuts and nut butters, seeds, avocado and oils.

Matt who runs the Bowerhill group says: “No food has ever been banned at Slimming World and members have always been able to enjoy healthy fats. We hope though that designating these foods as a new Healthy Extra choice will increase members’ understanding of healthy eating and better support them to maintain their new eating habits long after they reach their target weight.”

Kathy, who runs the town centre group based at the Guide Hut says the changes are about making sure the plan continues to fit with modern lifestyles. She said, “These updates are rooted in science, shaped by what our members tell us and designed to support people of all ages to lose weight in a way that’s healthy, enjoyable and sustainable.

“If you’re thinking of starting your weight loss journey, we would love to welcome you to our groups.  Our group details are :- Mondays at 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7pm at Bowerhill Village Hall, call Matt on 07403 735897; Tuesday at 5.30pm at Berryfield Village Hall, call Jayne on 07488 367383 or Thursday at 5.30pm or Friday at 9am and 10.30am at the Guide Hut; call Kathy on 07442 728134 to find out more.”

Pictured: Kathy, Jayne and Matt