The serious health consequences for low physical activity are well established. Overweight and obese people are more likely to occupy the least active sector of the population, and stand to benefit greatly from increasing their activity. Although commercial slimming organisations offer opportunities to promote physical activity to thousands of overweight and obese individuals, previous research has not examined activity promotion in this setting.

In 2003, Slimming World introduced a new component to their classes called Body Magic – a psycho-behaviourally based programme to increase members’ physical activity. Research, involving Primary Care practitioners and nurses, shows that the attitudes, beliefs and health behaviours of those providing physical activity promotion greatly influence how it is delivered, and its subsequent success. This research investigated the influence of characteristics of the Slimming World consultants and their relationship on the promotion of Body Magic.

An anonymous survey was posted to 25% of all Slimming World consultants in the UK 7 months after Body Magic had been implemented.  The survey examined consultants’:

  • Physical self-perceptions;
  • Attitudes, beliefs and understanding in relation to physical activity;
  • Personal health behaviours;
  • Delivery of Body Magic;
  • Impressions of Body Magic’s impact on members.

34% of surveys were returned. The majority of respondents had positive beliefs about the benefits of exercise. However, 28% did not feel it was important for their weight management, and 40% reported not enjoying exercise. 64% of respondents were trying to lose weight, and 34% maintaining weight. Mean total hours per week spent engaging in all physical activities were 10.6(2.76). After excluding housework and gardening, mean hours were 5.98 (1.54), with the majority achieved through walking (3.13 (0.8)).  61% of respondents reported increasing their own physical activity since receiving Body Magic materials. Approximately 30% felt that they lacked confidence and needed to know more to adequately deliver Body Magic. 40% did not feel they set a good example to members regarding physical activity and 10% felt too embarrassed to deliver Body Magic.

Our conclusions were that consultants who were strong believers in the importance of exercise, felt confident in promoting physical activity,  and were active or had recently increased their own activity levels were most likely to be highly committed to delivering Body Magic.

This year, Susan Doohan will repeat the survey for her MSc dissertation with a further 400 - 500 participants.