New research reveals link between weight loss groups in Hadeligh and increased mental toughness.

The UK's first study into the relationship between weight loss and mental toughness reveals that people who are supported to lose weight in a group environment not only lose more weight than those who choose to lose weight without support – they can also increase their mental toughness.

The study by the University of Lincoln examined the relationship between weight loss and mental toughness over a period of six months.

The findings of the study, which was led by Dr Elizabeth Stamp, a lecturer at Loughborough University, come at a time when the UK population faces a spiralling obesity crisis and increased mental health challenges.

Government figures suggest more than 40% of adults in England gained weight during the pandemic , with the average gain being half a stone (just over 4.1kg), while more than half of adults (60%) and over two thirds of young people (68%) said their mental health got worse during lockdown.

Joining a slimming group with expertise in helping people change lifelong habits is well established as a successful way to tackle weight gain, but only now has the impact of a supportive group environment on mental toughness been discovered.

Mental toughness, a concept used in psychology and behaviour change that has been studied within the sports field for many years, is linked to characteristics such as keeping a clear focus on goals even when under pressure, having a strong sense of purpose and self-determination, and feeling in control.

While it's linked to resilience, it's about more than being resilient, with sport psychologists noting mental toughness is what gives an elite athlete an edge. This is the first time the concept has been investigated in relation to weight loss.

Dr Elizabeth Stamp, says: "Mental toughness is about how someone copes with the challenges and stressors they face. More than that though, it is about seeking out and taking on new challenges.

"People who have a high mental toughness have skills like being able to break bigger goals into smaller achievable goals, being in control of their life and the decisions that they make and having the confidence to seek help when needed.

These are abilities that people who have a lower mental toughness can develop, and mental toughness has been reported to benefit individuals in other aspects of their life, such as achieving social and educational goals.

Sharon, a Hadleigh consultant and manager said: "If you are determined enough anything is possible but you must want to do it for you and having a group of people with you every step of the way will help you overcome any challenges you face.

"Being part of a group is the big thing that helps members stay focused and achieve and maintain their goals.  Everyone's goals are personal and Slimming World puts you in control of them."

"Dr Jacquie Lavin, Head of Research and Scientific Affairs, said: "This research shows the depth of understanding about the psychology of weight loss we have at Slimming World. It's been at the heart of our method for more than five decades.

"In our groups we share techniques to empower and enable members to make their own behaviour changes through a variety of methods, including setting goals, making new decisions, developing skills to overcome barriers by facing, and seeking out challenges and taking back control, which are all linked to the principles of improving mental toughness.

"By encouraging our members to try new foods, transform old, unhealthy habits and change their perception of food and activity, we create an environment for our members to challenge themselves on their own timescales."

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