A fitness expert has issued a stark warning about the potential pitfalls of Slimming World, suggesting it could inadvertently lead to weight gain.
Nathan Joseph, a personal trainer with a strong following on TikTok, has claimed that while weight loss programmes like Slimming World promise much, they can also “make you fat” if you’re not careful. He argues that the desire to lose weight often drives people to diets without considering the broader aspects of health.
He highlighted a peculiar rule within Slimming World’s system where bananas are considered free of “syns” when eaten whole, but once mashed, they suddenly accrue this negative value.
In his video, Nathan explained: “When they tell you this is bad, there’s no way you’re going to go near sweets, chocolate or crisps. You’re going to be in a really big calorie deficit which means, whilst you are doing Slimming World, it’s got a very good chance of making you lose weight.”
However, he cautioned that reaching your target weight isn’t the end of the journey, adding: “When you hit your goal weight, you’re going to re-introduce these kinds of foods that you’ve been missing out on for so long because you haven’t learnt to balance them in your fat loss journey.”
This, he says, can lead to regaining the lost weight, perpetuating the belief that only Slimming World can facilitate weight loss. He concluded by saying that overindulgence in calorie-rich treats will naturally cause weight gain, but sticking exclusively to “syn-free” healthy foods without moderation can also result in weight returning.
Nathan stresses that balance is the cornerstone of successful fat loss. He believes you should pursue a balanced approach to diet rather than vilifying certain food groups. This should make you more likely to succeed in the long-run.
The advice certainly resonated on social media, with the video amassing hundreds of likes and lots of positive feedback from followers leaning on Nathan for guidance through their weight-loss endeavours.
Many reached out to tell him his tips are really helping them to view their weight loss journeys differently.
One person said: “I lost 4st on SW, but the minute I went through a rough patch and was craving. It all came back on right around the midsection. I quit and am now on counting calories.”
Echoing the sentiment, someone else shared: “That’s what happened to me.”
In contrast, another commenter offered a ringing endorsement of Slimming World, writing: “Slimming World is a lifestyle change. Lost two stone and kept it off for a year now.”
Another chimed in with similar thoughts, adding: “That’s quite a bold comment to make about Slimming World. Thousands of women have achieved their goals following their plans.”
Despite his critiques, Nathan acknowledged the success of the Slimming World program in aiding weight reduction. Instead, he’s focused on warning against over-restricting, as this can cause cravings to develop that will lead you back to unhealthy habits.