7 ways to get off to a strong slimming start | Slimming World Blog

We know that being at the beginning of your weight loss journey – or starting again after a setback – can feel daunting, so you’ll always find the warmest of welcomes at Slimming World.  

As a new member, you’ll get everything you need to achieve the weight loss you want – from week one! Our unique combination of a fully flexible, no-hunger healthy eating plan, our empowering step-by-step active lifestyle programme and personalised support in group has helped millions of people to lose weight and keep it off for good. Let’s make 2026 the year you get real results from eating real food and getting real support with Slimming World.

Simple strategies to get you off to a flying fresh start 

Seek out support 

Building your own slimming squad is a fantastic first step towards making your weight loss dreams a reality. Letting your trusted friends and family be part of your journey will make it easier to stick to healthy new habits. And Slimming World members have a ready-made support network in their group or in the Slimming World Online Community.

Sharing experiences with real slimmers, all striving towards the same goal, will help you to make those lasting lifestyle changes – celebrating every success and, most importantly, supporting you through any struggles with practical help and understanding.  

Read our research into the power of slimming with a Slimming World group.

Sophie Ratcliffe discovered that the key to achieving her weight loss goals was sharing them with others in her Slimming World group. Read her inspirational story.

Set a target

When you join Slimming World, you may have a ‘dream weight’ in mind. Don’t be afraid to set this as your target – we’ll help you get there!

If you’re not sure what your dream target is, setting an interim target is a great way to get going. Talk to your Consultant about what feels right for you.

Our member, Shelby, is scoring goals on and off the pitch, with a 5st (32kg) weight loss!

Make a plan

Once you’ve set your weight loss goal, putting a plan in place will set you on the path to slimming success. Every slimmer will have challenges along the way, and as a Slimming World member, you’ll be supported to develop and follow strategies that work for you as an individual. It could be something practical like batch cooking to help make things easier on busy nights, or a plan to increase your activity levels. Expert strategies and the real support you get in a Slimming World group and on Slimming World Online are what will set you up for long-lasting weight loss success.

More for members: You’ll find tried-and-tested batch-cooking recipes on the member website

Our member, Nick Furlong, has improved his mental and physical health through losing 6st (38kg). He says:

“Four of my best friends were also keen to lose weight, so we decided to go along to a Slimming World group together. I was very sceptical at first. I was nervous about taking part in the group sessions, and worried that it would become just another thing I wasn’t able to stick with – but I was so wrong. My Wednesday night group is now a highlight of my week and my Consultant, Clare, is so supportive.” 

Read Nick’s story

Get snap happy

Looking back on photos of yourself from before you started your weight loss journey can be a fantastic motivator. Not only will it help you realise how far you’ve come, it can also spur you on towards your target.

Britt has lost 4st 7lbs (29kg) with Slimming World, and can see an amazing difference when she looks back at Christmas photos. She says: 

“As you can see, I’ve changed a lot! My weight was getting me down so much and affecting me in many ways: I’d lost myself and mentally I was struggling to cope, I didn’t want to go out, I was tired and emotionally drained… Never would I have thought back in 2018 – feeling the way that I did – that I’d be here 4st 7lbs down, feeling amazing!’’ 

Hit the ground running

Getting a great week-one weight loss can really set you up for long-term success on the scales, according to one of our largest-ever studies. At your first Slimming World session, your Consultant will fully explain the plan in your new member talk, a chat that is packed with information and motivation to help you get off to the strongest possible start. 

Slimming World member Emma definitely harnessed the power of a fantastic first week – going on to lose over 17st (108kg)! She says:

“I lost 7lbs in my first week! I felt so pleased, and yet I couldn’t quite believe it… I was still eating potatoes and pasta, but by making a few simple, healthier changes, I’d seen dramatic results. That first week gave me the confidence that I could actually do it this time. I had a big change in my mindset from that day forward.”

More on the blog: Why the first seven days could be key to your slimming success

Draw a line

It’s normal to experience some slip-ups on a slimming journey, so it’s important not to dwell on them. There’s absolutely no judgement at Slimming World. If you haven’t had the week that you wanted, we’re armed with practical tools and support to help you get back on track.

Our member Grace has lost more than 12st (76.2kg) with Slimming World. She says: “My life changed so much for the better by walking through those doors. My smiles are real now, and I couldn’t be happier!” 

Read Grace’s story.

Believe in yourself

The amazing thing about a Slimming World group is that, if your self-belief does wobble, you’re surrounded by people who believe in you and who will encourage you to keep going.

New research shows that our members switch from uncertain to confident, from their very first time in group. Read more about this incredible day-one mindset shift.

When Charlotte Daniels joined her local Slimming World group weighing 20st (127kg), she’d been unhappy with her weight for years. It’s a decision she says ‘changed her life’ – and she went on to lose more than 6st (39kg).  

Read Charlotte’s incredible weight loss story