A weight has been lifted for local slimmer’s following the news that Slimming World groups can stay open, despite new Coronavirus restrictions.

A tightening of lockdown laws announced by both Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson now makes it illegal for more than six people to gather, following a spike in infection rates.

But the weekly weight-loss group are not classed as social gatherings due to Slimming World being a commercial organisation, which operates fully in accordance with COVID-secure guidelines.

Members must now book in advance to attend a session and all are being asked to wear masks, practice social distancing and use hand sanitiser on arrival.

Chairs and tables, as well as the weighing equipment, are all being cleaned between sessions and those attending are also asked not to take off their shoes for safety reasons.

Slimmers all over the area are making a ‘comeback’ as their Slimming World groups reopen, with their consultants saying they’re excited to be back helping members to lose weight and improve their health in person.

Slimming World has been supporting members virtually in online weekly groups since March, when lockdown closed all of the organisation’s community groups.

Now, following the current easing of restrictions in many areas, real-life groups are opening..

Every consultant in every group is putting measures in place to ensure groups comply fully with government and local guidance and that their members can return safely and are delighted to finally be back together with their members.

Virtual groups have been a vital lifeline of support and we’re so, so proud of how our members have been there for each other through these difficult months and continued to lose weight and get more active. There’s nothing quite like the magic of our real-life groups, though. Research of our members during lockdown has shown that while they have loved attending their virtual groups they’ve missed the motivational power and accountability of meeting in person each week.

District Manager, Gill Rhouma says the health and safety of members has been the teams top priority in planning the return of Slimming World groups.

She said: “Members will find a few things have changed in our groups to ensure that everyone feels as safe, confident and comfortable as they possibly can. This includes appropriate social distancing, hygiene measures and shorter sessions, which we’ll be asking members to book in before attending. What hasn’t changed is the gorgeous warm welcome, feeling of togetherness and the joy of being ‘in it together’ week on week.

“I want anyone who’s worrying about their weight or health – especially if they’ve put on a few extra pounds during lockdown – to know that there will be absolutely no judgement at a Slimming World group – just lots of understanding and a very warm welcome."

For more information visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk or contact your local consultant. Due to new safety measures, all members are asked to book into a group before attending and you can discover what a real-life Slimming World group will look like with all safety measures in place here: https://www.slimmingworld.co.uk/blog/discover-keeping-you-safe/