LAUNCH ISSUE
APRIL 2019
FREE
HEALTHY EASTER! Eating healthily over the Easter period
YOUR STEPS TO
SLIMMING SUCCESS
7 WAYS
To Get More Fruit Into Your Diet
I LOST OVER
6 STONE Lisa’s slimming success story
WELCOME to our very first issue of Fresh Start Magazine. We are delighted to announce the launch of our new monthly in clinic magazine. Every month the magazine will be packed with diet and exercise top tips from our clinic experts, FAQs with our doctors, real life inspirational slimming success stories, as well as the latest updates from your local clinic. The magazine is one of the numerous new exciting changes taking place at our clinics nationwide as we transform the way we look and do things. As you will be aware there have been lots of positive changes taking place within our clinics nationwide and we want to thank you all for being so patient while we transition from the National Slimming and Cosmetic Clinics to our new brand The Slimming Clinic. We will still offer medically supervised weight loss at all our clinics. However, we will also be focussing on diet, exercise and the power of the mind in helping patients achieve their slimming goals, which will provide you with the ultimate weight loss experience. Inside this month’s issue we focus on how to stay healthy and on track with your exercise plan over the Easter break, page 30. Plus, our Medical Director, Doctor Charlotte Norton, provides expert advice alongside a daily recommended meal plan with healthy options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, which are ideal for patients who’ve just started their weight loss journey, to find out more turn to page 14. Read Lisa’s amazing weight loss story on page 6. Lisa lost over 5 stone after seeing a holiday snap of herself riding an elephant and feeling sorry for it! Lisa looked fantastic and glowed with confidence at one of our photoshoots to show off her incredible weight loss and fabulous figure. See how you can take part in a photoshoot on page 29. Whether you have been a patient for many years, or if this is your first step on your weight loss journey with The Slimming Clinic, welcome to the new, exciting era of slimming. At The Slimming Clinic our patients always come first and we cannot wait to follow and support you on your weight loss journey, which will not just make you happier and healthier, but will change your life for the better.
I hope you have a Happy and Healthy Easter!
n a g a Te
Magazine Editor
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“I lost 4st 7lbs” Erin Call centre manager
Inside this issue PAGE 5 YOUR STEPS TO SLIMMING SUCCESS
PAGE 16 NINA’S SUCCESS STORY
ACHIEVE YOUR WEIGHT and wellbeing goals with the help of our experts at The Slimming Clinic. We are with you every step of the way.
PLANNING FOR her big day encouraged bride-tobe Nina to stop snacking on crisps and chocolate opting for healthier treats.
PAGE 6 LISA’S SUCCESS STORY
PAGE 20 ASK THE DOCTOR
A SHOCKING SNAP from her holiday photographs inspired Lisa to shed several stone. Read how her elephant encounter led the mother of two to transform her life.
WHETHER YOU want to find out about weight loss medication or how to work out your BMI, we put your questions to our medical experts.
PAGE 8 EATING HEALTHILY OVER THE EASTER PERIOD
PAGE 29 BECOME A SLIMMING CLINIC MODEL
CLEVER FOOD SWAPS and ways to keep you on track and resist chocolate treat temptations this Easter.
THIS IS your chance to step into the spotlight. We are searching for super slimmers to enjoy a VIP day of pampering and take part in a professional photoshoot.
PAGE 12 7 WAYS TO GET MORE FRUIT INTO YOUR DIET
PAGE 30 GREAT WAYS TO EXERCISE WITH YOUR KIDS
GIVE YOUR DIET a fruity boost with our simple steps and easy ways to increase your fruit intake throughout the week.
ENJOY THE great outdoors and keep fit this Easter with the family. We have some great ideas for all the family to enjoy together.
PAGE 14 MEET DR CHARLOTTE NORTON
PAGE 32 LIAM’S SUCCESS STORY
THE DOCTOR will see you now …meet The Slimming Clinic’s Medical Director who is here to help you lose weight and stay healthy.
READ HOW Liam ditched pints of beer on nights out for a healthier lifestyle which led to a weight loss of almost 4 stone.
Check out our fantastic new website at
theslimmingclinic.com theslimmingclinic.com
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THE FACTS
SAFE, EFFECTIVE AND HEALTHY Weight loss solutions THE SLIMMING CLINIC is the largest medical weight loss group in the UK aiming to provide safe, effective and healthy weight loss solutions to our patients. All The Slimming Clinics are CQC registered and our doctors are all qualified, GMC registered and supported by caring, knowledgeable and friendly clinic staff. Our clinics are welcoming and encourage long-term lifestyle changes to promote health and wellbeing. Appetite suppressant medication is an effective addition to a calorie-controlled diet in helping you to lose weight. By reducing your appetite, the medication makes you feel fuller and less hungry thereby helping you to eat less food and consequently lose weight. After taking a medical history and a weight loss health check your The Slimming Clinic doctor will advise on the best medication and dose for you. It is important to remember that appetite suppressants are only part of your weight loss treatment. You still need to follow a healthy eating plan and increase your physical activity to reach your weight loss goals. Your The Slimming Clinic doctor will work with you to advise on a healthy way of eating that fits your lifestyle.
Am I overweight? THERE IS AN EASY WAY to find out whether you are obese or overweight. This is by working out your Body Mass Index (BMI). You can check your BMI by using our calculator on our website. If your BMI is over 30, you are classified as obese.
How does it work? At The Slimming Clinic we offer a wide range of slimming treatments to help you on your weight loss journey. These include: • Appetite Suppressants • Xenical Fat Blockers • Chromium • Weight loss injections
MEDICAL SLIMMING TREATMENT includes a professional doctor consultation and discussion of medical history, prescription medication, a dieting and exercise plan alongside a weekly support programme.
Are slimming pills safe? OUR DOCTORS only prescribe safe and effective medication with a history of success to help achieve weight loss and treat obesity. All of our clinics are registered and regulated with the Care Quality Commission to ensure the highest standards of patient care. NSC Clinics have successfully helped hundreds of thousands of patients lose weight over the last 35 years.
To find out more about our treatments or to book a FREE consultation call us on 0800 917 9334
YOUR STEPS TO
d an fin t c u o Y u e abo ing r o m out slimm r u o f each o tments on trea , 10, 4 s e pag & 34 4 2 , 8 1
SLIMMING SUCCESS
FROM YOUR FIRST VISIT you will be assigned your own personal doctor who will discuss your weight concerns and design a personalised weight loss programme to suit your lifestyle. As part of your free 40 minute consultation the doctor will carry out a free weight loss health check on yourself, that will include: BMI Waist to hip ratio Body fat % Body water % Blood sugar Blood pressure Heart rate This health check will help the doctor decide which slimming programme is suitable for you. At The Slimming Clinic we offer a variety of slimming treatments including appetite suppressants, weight loss injections, Xenical and chromium. Once you have decided on the slimming treatment most suitable for you, you will meet with your doctor on a weekly basis for consultations, weigh-ins, examinations and constant support. In a survey of 947 patients, The Obesity Management Association found that those following a medical slimming programme lost 9% of their body weight in just 12 weeks. Research shows that constant support through doctor consultations is the most effective approach to weight loss and produces the best results.
“I lost 5st 3lbs� Winnie Full time chef and mum of two
STEP 1: Book your FREE weight loss consultation and health check STEP 2: 1-to-1 consultation with our resident doctor STEP 3: Agree a weight loss programme to suit your goals STEP 4: We encourage you to attend a weekly support appointment STEP 5: Why not refer or bring along a friend and receive a FREE week
theslimmingclinic.com
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LISA’S STORY
“I lost 6st” Lisa Mortgage Advisor and Mother of two
Lisa lost 6 stone after seeing a holiday photo and feeling sorry for the elephant she was riding…
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her! Looking at the photos on our return, I looked like a balloon, all round – round face, round belly, it was shocking! I even felt sorry for the elephant I rode on.
A friend asked us as a family to go to India with them for Christmas and we agreed. Louisa had been a larger lady herself and had lost loads of weight. I had seen her confidence grow the more she had lost weight. I wanted to be like her and look like
Each month I was outgrowing my clothes faster and faster! I’d gone from being a size 18 to struggling to squeeze into a size 22 in just over a year. I felt I could not find anything to wear and just ordered my clothes through a well know fashion catalogue for larger ladies, where I could try them on and send them back if they didn’t fit and nobody would know. >
fter having pre-eclampsia during my pregnancies and taking steroids, I steadily got bigger and bigger. After yo-yo dieting for years, I’d lose 2 stone counting points and think ‘Hey I’d be ok, I can go it alone’. The weight soon crept back on. So the next fad diet would start.
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Losing weight has given me the confidence to now go to Zumba classes twice a week
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SLIMMER SUCCESS STORY
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I blame my weight gain on drinking four bottles of wine a week, which I now call ‘liquid donuts’ > I blame my weight gain on drinking four bottles of wine a week, which I now call ‘liquid donuts’. I’d come in from work and treat myself with a bottle of rosé. Then on a Friday and Saturday it’d be the same. I would also make hearty meals of pork chops with vegetables and spaghetti bolognese with garlic bread for the family, eating huge portion sizes. My husband and I started jogging, but my hips and knees hurt, they couldn’t take my weight! In August 2010, we went to Cyprus and the holiday snaps were the straw that broke the camel’s back! I knew then that it wasn’t right, my stomach was round, and I looked as though I was 9 months pregnant. I was bursting out of my skin!
Lisa on holiday before weight loss Thank you so much for my little bit of magic in a bottle. Thank you for giving me the inspiration and the will and want to continue to lose the weight, to become healthier and give me the freedom to do anything I want without the weight restricting me.
A friend of mine had started going to The Slimming Clinic for help with her weight and suggested I give it a try too. I called The Slimming Clinic and the rest as they say is history!
Losing weight has given me the confidence to now go to Zumba classes twice a week and I am now even on stage with the instructor! I love it, it makes me smile, even though I struggled at first. I now feel so fit and lean and the ladies there always comment about how much I have changed!
I didn’t feel as hungry anymore. I lost 5lb in the first week. And by the end of the first month, I’d lost a stone. I went from a dress size 24 to an amazing size 10-12.
Now I even go out cycling with my friend and can ride 20 miles. I never thought I would be able to do this in a million years, and it just goes to show, willpower and training your own mind to eat sensibly with a little help and exercise, can make the world of difference.
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EATING HEALTHILY OVER THE EASTER PERIOD EASTER IS a family occasion that tends to revolve around great tasting food and a truck load of chocolate. The supermarket shelves are piled high with sugar-coated bunny-shaped tempting treats. Here we help you enjoy a happy, healthy Easter.
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Ok, so we know Easter comes with many temptations, however there is absolutely no reason to compromise your slimming success over this slightly sweet season! Here are some simple ways you can eat healthily over the Easter period: Easter Lunch
Remember, you’ll eat less at lunch if you enjoy a protein packed, slow releasing breakfast. Why not try starting the day with some smoked salmon and spinach with poached eggs?
Dessert Many people associate ‘diet desserts’ with limited flavour and flat textures. But slimming down should never mean compromising on taste. The traditional Easter lunch is very similar to the food you enjoy at Christmas. The first step when prepping an Easter lunch is to be smart about the meat you choose. A lean meat, such as turkey, is ideal for Easter lunch because it contains far fewer calories than beef or lamb. In fact, there’s only approximately 150 calories in one serving of turkey, meaning there’s plenty of room for dessert!
Fresh fruit can give you a sweet sugar hit while also nourishing your body. Create a gorgeous fruit salad filled with colourful fruits like strawberries, raspberries, mango, pear and apples for a satisfying end to your Easter lunch. Fancy a bit of chocolate? Try dipping strawberries into dark chocolate for a truly luxurious experience.
When prepping veg, try to stick with highly nutritious root vegetables like carrots and broccoli. Steaming these will ensure you max out on goodness.
Snacks On Easter Day, you’re highly unlikely to avoid snacking. There’s simply too much to enjoy! Here’s some tips on not going OTT. • Instead of tucking into a large deluxe Easter egg, opt for a mini egg or smaller chocolate alternative. • Choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate. The cocoa content is better for your health and will satisfy you in the same way. •
Make sure you note down any snacks you’re consuming so that you can keep on top of your calorie count.
• If you’re heading to a friend’s for lunch, take a small box of snacks with you. This could include mixed nuts, dried fruit, a home-made flapjack or a few pieces of dark chocolate so that you’re prepared to resist temptation. • When you’re cooking lunch, you might be tempted to snack as you wait. Keep healthy snacks in full view so that you won’t reach for the cookie jar.
Finally, why not swap roasties for cubes of sweet potatoes instead? Roasted sweet potato with garlic and thyme is a fantastic flavour combination and only contains 100 calories per medium sized potato.
Remember, while you are slimming down with The Slimming Clinic, you don’t have to boycott the foods you love. Instead, you should prepare in advance and stay in control of your portions, while making healthy swaps where feasible for your best chances of success.
theslimmingclinic.com
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THE FACTS
ABOUT CHROMIUM If you are chromium deficient, you may crave sweet food and suffer constant hunger pangs. CHROMIUM IS a mineral our bodies use in small amounts for normal bodily functions, especially to enhance the action of insulin, a hormone necessary for metabolism, and storage of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the body. Some people may be unaware that they are either chromium deficient or bordering on it, and they may feel lacking in energy and could also put on weight. Chromium exists in many natural foods including meats, potatoes (especially the skins), egg yolk, whole-grain breads, fresh fruits and vegetables especially broccoli and green beans. Chromium helps to move blood sugar (glucose) from the bloodstream into the cells to be used as energy and to turn fats, carbohydrates and proteins into energy. However, if you are chromium deficient, you may crave sweet food and suffer constant hunger pangs due to the fact that glucose is being stored as fat. Here at The Slimming Clinic, we specialise in slimming and dieting which is why we offer this essential mineral at just £2.50 for a weeks supply, as it can help reduce your cravings, manage what you are eating and ultimately help you reach your weight loss goals.
HOW WILL CHROMIUM HELP ME LOSE WEIGHT? CHROMIUM CAN aid weight loss by helping to manage your cravings and hunger pangs. HOW MUCH CHROMIUM SHOULD I TAKE A DAY? THE SUGGESTED INTAKE is 1 tablet per day, as taking excessive chromium supplements can lead to stomach problems and low blood sugar. IS CHROMIUM SUITABLE FOR VEGETARIANS? YES, chromium is suitable for vegetarians. WHERE CAN I PURCHASE CHROMIUM SUPPLEMENTS FROM? YOU CAN purchase chromium supplements from any of our clinics.
Buy chromium for only £2.50 at reception now!
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It can help reduce your cravings, manage what you are eating and ultimately help you reach your weight loss goals.
To find out more about our treatments or to book a FREE consultation call us on 0800 917 9334
ur o y k Boo -to-1 1 E E ss FR o l t h weig tation ul s n o c
Feel perfect for that perfect day ...with help from the specialists in medical weight loss treatments
Call our team today: 0800 9179 334
7 WAYS
To Get More Fruit Into Your Diet Over The Next 7 Days WONDERING HOW to get more fruit into your diet? Look no further! Over the next 7 days, you can easily incorporate more fruit into your diet in easy and manageable ways.
DAY 1
DAY 2
Dried fruit makes great snacks!
Create a fruity dessert Succulently sweet, a juicy fruit can easily become a key dessert ingredient. Pull together a gorgeous, colourful fruit salad to tuck into after your main meal, or simply opt for a bowl of fresh strawberries and a dollop of low fat Greek yogurt!
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DAY 3
Blitz a fruit and veggie smoothie A morning (or afternoon) smoothie can help give your sluggish day a welcome boost. Blitz green fruit with kale or spinach for a truly well-rounded meal in a glass.
Peckish? Instead of reaching for those salty, fatty crisps hidden at the back of your cupboard, opt for a bowl of dried fruit and nuts instead. Cranberries, gooseberries and dates all taste sublime when dried out and combined with a mix of healthy nuts and seeds.
The big freeze!
Add fruit to your breakfast routine Most breakfasts can be combined with fruit, so you have many options here. For example, you might sprinkle blueberries over your warm porridge or add chopped banana to your cereal.
DAY 4
Have you tasted frozen fruits before? They’re completely different to their fresh counterparts and give you an entirely new fruity experience. Freeze berries to add to low fat ice cream on a sunny day or create your very own mango popsicles!
DAY 5
DAY 6
DAY 7
Drink fruit tea Strictly fruit tea doesn’t count as a whole fruit, but many authentic, premium fruit teas are made using dried fruits so that you can still enjoy their nourishing goodness. A warm mug of raspberry tea in the morning could be just what’s needed to kickstart your day.
Hide fruit in your main meal Many savoury meals taste fantastic when combined with certain meats and veggies. For example, a lamb stew can be transformed by the addition of dried apricots. A feta salad has a whole new dimension when combined with pomegranate seeds!
Remember, preparation is key, so stock up on all your fruit and veggies at the beginning of each week so you don’t run out. theslimmingclinic.com
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Meet...
DR. CHARLOTTE NORTON
Our Medical Director Dr Charlotte Norton has been working in the field of weight management since 2015.
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THE FOCUS of her medical specialism is in the field of nutrition, weight management and health promotion. The Slimming Clinic helps over 50,000 patients lose weight each year and she leads the company’s team of experienced doctors who support overweight and obese patients with diet and lifestyle modifications to achieve and maintain a lifelong healthy weight. Dr Charlotte said: “At The Slimming Clinic we pride ourselves on providing expert medical advice to our patients and working closely beside them to develop individualised weight loss programmes that support them to achieve their goals”.
...to stay healthy over the Easter period As with all holidays, Easter is associated with food especially chocolate. Therefore, it is important to have a plan in place to withstand temptation during the long bank holiday. Here is some advice to keep you on track over the Easter period:
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Keeping yourself well-hydrated ensures your body is working at its best and drinking around two litres of low-sugar decaffeinated fluids a day can increase your metabolic rate and energy levels. It will also help to keep you feeling full and less likely to snack around meals.
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Be prepared and plan some healthy meals and dinners in advance. Stock your fridge and cupboards with healthy snacks such as fruit, popcorn or nuts.
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Keep the chocolate for Easter Sunday only and opt for high-quality chocolate or dark chocolate with a higher percentage of cocoa. Try and keep chocolate for dessert and avoid snacking on it throughout the day as this can lead to spikes in blood sugar which can lead to sugar cravings and hunger pangs.
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If you are going to indulge, try and cut the sugar out of your other meals, so opt for eggs for breakfast instead of sugary cereals or skip the sugar in hot drinks.
The long weekend is a great opportunity to get active and spend some time outside enjoying activities with family and friends. Schedule a walk or a cycle or even just get out into the garden and counter balance some of the extra calories going in with some physical activity.
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At The Slimming Clinic we pride ourselves on providing expert medical advice to our patients and working closely beside them to develop individualised weight loss programmes that support them to achieve their goals.
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Dr Charlotte Norton Medical Director
MEAL PLAN What is your daily recommended breakfast, lunch and dinner for a patient who has just started their weight loss journey? At The Slimming Clinic we work with you individually to understand the foods that you and your family enjoy. We then suggest healthy swaps and changes to make your daily diet support your weight loss goals and achieve a well-balanced food plan. It is important that your daily meals include elements from the three major food groups; proteins, carbohydrates and fats. These are all vital to the proper functioning of our bodies and too much or too little of any one group can slow down weight loss. The amount of food and energy your body needs each day depends on your age, gender, height and level of physical activity. Your doctor will discuss your daily requirements at your initial consultation. An example of a well-balanced daily meal plan is as follows, although individual requirements and portion sizes will differ between patients:
BREAKFASonTa:slice of 2 poached eggs wholemeal toast
NACK:
MID-MORNING S 10 almonds
LUNCH:
n tuna and sweetcor h it w to ta po ed Bak ise and light mayonna
N MID-AFTERNOO
SNACK:
Apple
DINNER: breast with couscous Grilled chicken ht dressing and salad and a lig
DESSERT:t with a handful Natural yoghur of blueberries
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NINA’S STORY
“I lost 5st 10lbs” Customer service administrator and mum of two Nina Trapp went from 17st 2lbs to 11st 6lbs with the help of The Slimming Clinic.
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ride-to-be Nina Trapp was left miserable and hated the way she looked after daily snacking on crisps and chocolate meant she tipped the scales at over 17st.
The customer service administrator confessed her love of takeaway fast food fuelled her weight gain, which increased after the birth of her baby daughter. It was when she was planning her wedding she decided she wanted to shed the excess stones once and for all with the help of The Slimming Clinic. Nina revealed: “My weight has gone up and down for as long as I can remember. At my heaviest, I weighed 17.2 stone after the birth of my daughter and I hated how I looked. >
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SLIMMER SUCCESS STORY
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It made me miserable, I couldn’t believe how low my energy was and my confidence was plummeting
> “It made me miserable, I couldn’t believe how low my energy was and my confidence was plummeting. “I would eat snacks all day, crisps, chocolate, the list was endless. I didn’t have any specific downfalls with food, I’d eat anything, but always found it hard to say no.
Nina admitted losing weight has helped transform her life. “I lost 5 stone 10lbs and losing weight with The Slimming Clinic has truly changed my life for the better! “My confidence and self-esteem has sky rocketed and I just feel so incredibly happy.
“As a busy mum there was never enough time in the day so by the time it came round to my dinnertime I looked for the easiest and quickest option.”
“The biggest most important factor to me is the change in myself, I am so much happier now and thanks to the weight loss I can probably add 10 to 15 years on my life now.
Nina confessed how she loathed clothes shopping when she was at her biggest and hated always having to resort to going straight to the back of the rail for the larger sizes when shopping for new clothes.
“When I have lost weight in the past, the weight has always crept back on - and more. I can honestly say that this was, by far, the best slimming experience I have ever had.
She confessed the prospect of becoming a bride was the motivation she finally needed to tackle her weight gain.
“I honestly don’t think I could have achieved what I have done without The Slimming Clinic and best of all I have kept the weight off!”
“Knowing I was going to be getting married there was no bigger motivation than that. I knew those pictures would be with me forever so with that in mind it was now or never, however this had been something I really should have done a long time ago.”
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I honestly don’t think I could have achieved what I have done without The Slimming Clinic
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THE FACTS
ABOUT ® SAXENDA Weight loss injection SAXENDA® IS a weight loss treatment containing the medication liraglutide. Saxenda® offers effective and reliable weight loss by controlling appetite, curbing hunger and reducing cravings for sweet and fatty foods. The Saxenda® injection works by acting on receptors in the appetite control centre of the brain making you feel fuller and less hungry.
HOW DOES SAXENDA® WORK? SAXENDA® IS a daily injection of the medication liraglutide that reduces appetite by working on receptors in the appetite centre of the brain. HOW IS SAXENDA® ADMINISTERED?
By reducing your appetite Saxenda® will help you keep to a calorie-controlled diet and achieve your weight loss goals. Medical studies have shown patients treated with Saxenda® achieve significantly more weight loss and maintain that loss compared to patients dieting alone.
YOU WILL receive a pre-filled injection pen for you to inject yourself daily. Your doctor will teach you how to do this on your initial appointment. The best places to inject in are your stomach, the front of your thigh or upper arm.
Saxenda® is very similar to a naturally occurring hormone in the body that the intestine releases after eating and therefore has minimal side-effects and strain on the body. Through the weight loss achieved, it can help to improve any weight-related health issues you may have.
IS SAXENDA® SAFE?
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I have lost 15lbs in four weeks on Saxenda! The most I have ever lost on any diet plan. Absolutely delighted. On the whole Saxenda has helped me make good food choices. The Slimming Clinic in Southampton are fab A*!
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SAXENDA® IS a UK licensed and FDA-approved prescription only medication, only prescribed by doctors in CQC-registered clinics. WHAT ARE THE SIDE-EFFECTS OF SAXENDA®? THERE ARE MINIMAL side-effects, which usually settle within the first weeks of treatment if they occur. Your doctor will be able to help you manage these if they occur. DO I STILL NEED TO DIET IF I’M USING SAXENDA®? YES, Saxenda® is an aid to help you reduce your calorie intake. You still need to follow a healthy eating plan and increase your physical activity. HOW MUCH DOES SAXENDA® COST? THE PRICE below includes Saxenda® weight loss injections, private consultation and weekly check ups. 1 Injection Pen £100 5 Injection Pens £459
To find out more about our treatments or to book a FREE consultation call us on 0800 917 9334
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Share the love With our Referral Offer Get a FREE week, EACH & every time you refer a new friend to The Slimming Clinic Your friend gets a FREE week too! 70% of our new patients are referrals from friends or family members. We believe this is because by seeing your loved ones become healthier, happier and more confident whilst being treated by a doctor on a medical weight loss programme means they trust us!
So why not help your friends and family members become the best them possible and ooze with confidence just like you do, whilst being looked after in a clinical environment by an experienced weight loss doctor?
To start slimming for FREE pick up your referral cards in your local The Slimming Clinic. *Terms & Conditions Referral scheme for weight loss injection is ÂŁ25 off not a free week Not valid in conjunction with any other offer
ASK
THE DOCTOR
DO YOU LOSE MORE WEIGHT ON THE WEIGHT LOSS PILLS OR WEIGHT LOSS INJECTION? THE WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATIONS we prescribe at The Slimming Clinic are appetite suppressants. Both our tablet form of medication and the injection form of medication work to reduce how hungry you feel so you can focus on eating a healthy wellbalanced diet. The medications work by reducing hunger signals between the appetite control centre of the brain and the stomach. The injection form of medication also works directly on the stomach and gut to make you feel fuller for longer. However, neither medication alone can give you your weight loss results, it is how the medication helps you to change what and how much you are eating that will dictate your success. So, in answer to this question, you will get your best results from the medication which helps you manage your appetite best and your doctor at The Slimming Clinic will help you to find the right medication for you.
I AM OFF TO DUBAI WITH MY FAMILY FOR EASTER CAN I TAKE THE SLIMMING MEDICATION WITH ME? YOU CAN TRAVEL with prescription medications. Your doctor at The Slimming Clinic can give you an accompanying letter regarding the medication you are travelling with, should you need to present this at any time. When travelling you should carry the medication in its correct, labelled package and pack it in your hold luggage. Depending on the country you are travelling to, length of time you are travelling for and the medication you are taking, there may be additional processes, but you can discuss this with your doctor at The Slimming Clinic.
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Your doctor at The Slimming Clinic will help you to find the right medication for you. 20
The tablet and capsule form of our weight loss medication is a controlled drug, which means there are extra legal controls on this medication, so it is advisable to check with the embassy of the country you are travelling to before you travel. More information about this can be found at www.gov.uk/travelling-controlled-drugs and please ask your doctor for help with this. The injection form of our weight loss medication needs to be stored at a cold temperature, so may require you to store it in a cool bag with an ice pack in your hold luggage, but it is advisable to contact your airline before you travel.
I HAVE MY 30TH BIRTHDAY THIS MONTH AND WE ARE GOING OUT FOR AN ITALIAN MEAL. I AM WORRIED ABOUT WHAT TO ORDER? ANY TIPS? EATING OUT in a restaurant can often be worrying when you are working hard to lose weight. It is important to remember that your hard work is not lost by one meal out as long as you stay consistent to your healthy plan throughout that day and get back on track the following morning. Whenever you eat out, a good tip is to make sure you do not starve yourself during the day to save up your calories – make sure you eat a normal breakfast and lunch and you will find you will not be so ravenous by the time you come to eat and can make better food choices. You can also try and balance the extra energy in from a meal out by being more active during the day or the day after.
Take the Stairs
For an Italian restaurant I would suggest the following tips: • Try to avoid any food choices that are high in sources of fat such as cheeses, creamy sauces or fried food options. • Try to avoid a dish based mostly on a simple carbohydrate like a large bowl of white pasta. • Try and pick a choice with grilled lean meat or fish or even pick a main based on vegetables. • Try a vegetable starter such as a salad, mushrooms or aubergines. • Avoid any supplementary bread being bought to the table. • Try olives as a starter. • If choosing pizza, order a thin crust or opt for a healthier pizza choice which are available in many mainstream Italian restaurants. • Avoid a heavy dessert, try to order a fruit salad or share a dessert with a friend.
I HAVE 3 CHILDREN AND WORK FULL-TIME SO I STRUGGLE TO GET TO THE GYM. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN RECOMMEND I CAN DO TO HELP FIT EXERCISE INTO MY BUSY ROUTINE? WHEN YOU lead a busy lifestyle, it can seem difficult to find extra time for exercise. However, exercise can be added in to your daily activities and you will soon find it becomes part of your daily routine. In fact, increasing your level of physical activity will leave you feeling more energised and boosted for the rest of your daily routine. You do not have to set aside hours at a time to exercise but try and set yourself a plan of how many times a week you will find small amounts of time to fit in exercise. One option is to try and find some free time, either early in the morning or after the children have gone to bed, to do some exercise from home. A short 20-minute session of simple exercises you can do in your living room is a great place to start. If you find it difficult to find this time, try and combine physical activity with your children; include them in a fun workout video at home or go to the park or swimming pool and get active with them. Try to add more walking into your day to day activities, either walking the children to school, the park or local shops instead of taking the car or public transport. Build up a sweat doing the household chores, combining tasks such as squatting when you unpack the dishwasher or calf raises whilst you wash up at the sink. Another enjoyable way to exercise with you children is to put on some music and have a dance.
Work out at home
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ASK
THE DOCTOR
HOW CAN I WORK OUT MY BMI? BODY MASS INDEX, or BMI, is a tool to work out if your total body weight is healthy for age, sex and height. As our total body weight increases it is usually body fat that is increasing, unless you have a muscular physique, and your BMI rises alongside this. BMI is categorised with increasing potential risk to health as total body weight increases. You can work out your BMI on our website at www.theslimmingclinic.com. Your doctor at The Slimming Clinic can help you understand more about your BMI and what is means for your health.
I AM ON A BREAK FROM MY SLIMMING MEDICATION IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN TAKE TO KEEP MY WEIGHT LOSS ON TRACK? DURING YOUR TREATMENT programme at The Slimming Clinic there may be times where you require a break from the weight loss medication, however it is not a break from your weight loss results. Our medication helps to support you with your healthy well-balanced diet by reducing your appetite but as long as you remain on your healthy eating regime there is no reason your weight loss should stop. We have other types of medication and natural slimming aids that can support you during your break from the weight loss medication which you should discuss with your doctor when planning your break. A good way to make sure your weight loss stays on track is to ensure that you increase your physical activity to balance any increase in appetite during your break from medication.
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Your doctor at The Slimming Clinic can help you understand more about your BMI and what is means for your health.
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WHAT HAPPENS IF I DRINK ALCOHOL ON THE MEDICATION? ALCOHOL IS OFTEN detrimental to losing weight, given the calorific content of most alcoholic drinks and loss of inhibition it causes, leading you to stray off your healthy eating plan. At your initial consultation with one of our doctors you will be informed that you cannot consume alcohol when taking our weight loss medication. Alcohol and our medication both have an effect on chemicals in the brain and therefore they should not be combined. If you have an occasion or reason you wish to drink alcohol during your weight loss treatment, please discuss with your doctor at The Slimming Clinic to plan when you need to stop your weight loss medication prior to the event.
I AM ON ANTIBIOTICS CAN I STILL TAKE THE SLIMMING MEDICATION? ANTIBIOTICS are prescribed when your body needs extra help to fight an infection. During this time you should be focusing on healthy nutrition to fuel your body during this healing process. We therefore recommend that you stop your weight loss medication during your antibiotic course and focus on staying hydrated and eating plenty of fruit and vegetables filled with anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals to support your body.
Want to ask the doctor a question? email me at teaganm@theslimmingclinic.com
Want nutritional advice from our team of doctors?
The Slimming Clinics’ Nutritional Group Join our private Facebook nutritional group now! theslimmingclinic.com
THE FACTS
ABOUT APPETITE SUPPRESSANTS Appetite suppressant medication is an effective addition to a calorie-controlled diet in helping you lose weight. BY REDUCING your appetite, they make you feel fuller and less hungry thereby helping you to eat less food and consequently lose weight. Appetite suppressants are prescribed to obese patients with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 or to overweight patients with a BMI ≥27 kg/m2 with a weight-related medical condition. After taking a medical history your The Slimming Clinic doctor will advise on the best medication and dose for you. It is important to remember that appetite suppressants are only part of your weight loss treatment. You still need to follow a healthy eating plan and increase your physical activity to reach your weight loss goals. Your The Slimming Clinic doctor will work with you to advise on a healthy way of eating that fits your lifestyle.
PHENTERMINE Phentermine is a centrally-acting appetite suppressant. This means that it works centrally in the appetite centre of the brain to give its effect of decreasing your hunger and making you feel full longer. Phentermine is a once daily tablet medication that will be prescribed to you weekly for 12 weeks. You will see your The Slimming Clinic doctor each week to monitor your progress. At 12 weeks your doctor will review your progress and decide on your suitability for a 2-week medication break before re-starting a new 12 week treatment cycle. Phentermine is normally tolerated well with minimal side-effects that settle as your body adjusts to the medication. There are certain medical conditions when Phentermine may not be suitable for you. Your doctor will discuss this with you and suggest an alternative appetite suppressant if appropriate. DIETHYLPROPION Diethylpropion is another centrally-acting appetite suppressant. It works in a similar way to Phentermine and by decreasing your hunger and making you feel fuller it enables you to keep to a reduced calorie diet. Diethylpropion is either a once a day or 3-times a day tablet medication that will be prescribed to you weekly for 12 weeks. You will see your The Slimming Clinic doctor each week to monitor your progress. At 12 weeks your doctor will review your progress and decide on suitability for a 2-week medication break before re-starting a new 12 week treatment cycle. Diethylpropion is usually tolerated well with minimal side-effects that settle as your body adjusts to the medication. There are certain medical conditions when Diethylpropion may not be suitable for you. Your doctor will discuss this with you and suggest an alternative appetite suppressant if appropriate. The Slimming Clinic is aware it is possible to buy many types of slimming medication online but we strongly advise you not to for your own health. Slimming medication should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor or healthcare professional. Their guidance on whether a medication is suitable for you, the dosage and possible side effects is crucial. More then half of all medication bought online is fake. In the last 5 years the MHRA have seized nearly £4 million worth of fake weight loss medication*and have consistently warned of the dangers of buying online. When buying slimming medication online there is no guarantee that the products you are ordering are genuine or safe for you to take. We would advise that you only buy prescription medication from CQC registered or licensed clinics or websites which are strictly regulated. Finally, you simply might not even be suitable for a particular medication. Be safe, get advice from a GMC registered Doctor at a specialist weight loss clinic. *Quoted from BT Dec 2017
To find out more about our treatments or to book a FREE consultation call us on 0800 917 9334
“I lost 5st 3lbs”
Loyalty brings its rewards
Get y 9th w our ee treatm k of en FREE t !
Do you want to be rewarded for your loyalty to The Slimming Clinic?
? k e e w E E R F a t u o b a How Pick up a loyalty card at your local The Slimming Clinic to join our loyalty programme.
It’s pretty simple… Attend 8 weeks consecutively and get your 9th week FREE!
“I lost 3st 11lbs”
“I lost 3st 6lbs”
Doctor Led Personal Weight Loss Pick up a loyalty card at your local The Slimming Clinic today! Terms & conditions Loyalty scheme for weight loss injection is 9th week £25 off not a free week Not valid in conjunction with any other offer
G N I N I O J Y C FAN
The Slimming Clinic Team? gclinic.co.uk in m lim es th t@ en tm ui cr re l: Emai
with your CV
WE ARE the largest group of slimming clinics in the UK and have been in business for 35 years. We have a number of job opportunities becoming available so if you want a new challenge then contact us now!
Want nutritional advice from
our team of doctors?
The Slimming Clinics’ Nutritional Group Join our private Facebook nutritional group now! Want to discuss with other slimmers how their weight loss journey is progressing and get extra tips?
Gift Vouchers Not sure what to give your friend or family member for a gift? Why not show the love and your support by giving them a The Slimming Clinics Gift Voucher* Vouchers can be bought in multiples of £10 SLIMMING WORKS BETTER TOGETHER!
Ask about our Gift Vouchers in your local The Slimming Clinic today! Terms & conditions *This voucher can be used for treatments and products. This voucher is redeemable at any TSC clinic.
Tell us your success story and you could
WIN £500
Thomas Cook Vouchers Feature in our May magazine!
Just tell us about why you decided to lose weight and a bit about your journey.
ry to s r u o y r a e h to e v lo ld u o We w “I lost 4st 7lbs”
“I lost 5st 3lbs”
“I lost 4st”
“I lost 2st 8lbs”
Tell us your success story today email: teaganm@theslimmingclinic.com
ARE YOUR READY
FOR YOUR CLOSE UP?
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The photoshoot was one of the best days of my life. I felt empowered, confident and so proud of myself
Become a Slimming Clinic model
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DO YOU FEEL GREAT, look amazing and want to inspire other slimmers? Have your read the success stories in this magazine and thought ‘That could be me’? Well, it can be! If you have lost over 3 stone with The Slimming Clinic we’d love to hear from you. Please send us your before and after images (full length) and your story to marketing@theslimmingclinic.com and you could not only be starring in one of our magazine issues but also on our website too! “The photoshoot was one of the best days of my life. I felt empowered, confident and so proud of myself. The team were incredible and meeting other slimmers and sharing the experience with them was great.” Nina, mother of two and call centre worker, who lost over 5 stone with The Slimming Clinic.
The benefits you will
If you meet the requirements we will then organise a photoshoot at our studio in Bournemouth.
receive are:
• 1 month FREE slimming before the photoshoot • £100 The Slimming Clinic voucher for taking part and letting us use the images for PR material and on our website • You will be provided with images of yourself from the photoshoot
• We will supply food and drink throughout the day • We will pay for you to have your spray tan, hair and make-up done by our team of experts • We will pay for your travel expenses to get to and from Bournemouth on the day • A fabulous fun day for you to get pampered and showcase your new body
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At The Slimming Clinic, we believe that exercise can easily become a family-affair.
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GREAT WAYS TO EXERCISE WITH YOUR KIDS OVER EASTER EASTER IS an exciting time for children and adults alike. It brings families closer together and often involves sharing great quantities of delicious food (not to mention chocolate Easter eggs!) For this reason, it is important to continue to exercise over the Easter period, especially if you’re keen to continue your slimming success without any hiccups. 30
The problem is, the Easter holidays can make it tricky to get to the gym, especially if your children are small. Luckily, there are many ways you can exercise with your children so that the entire family can experience the health benefits!
HERE’S OUR ADVICE: 1. Nature Lovers
4. Visit a family play centre
As Easter falls in Springtime, it’s an opportunity for you to really get in touch with nature. Take a walk with the whole family through your nearest woodlands and enjoy the beautiful colours, textures and sounds. You can even take your cameras and have a photography competition! Got smaller children? Why not build a den or a hideout using sticks and other natural materials?
Family play centres can be the perfect places for all-round family fun. Giant soft-plays areas, trampolining venues, climbing centres and adventure playgrounds keep your children highly entertained while encouraging exercise too. Search in your local newspaper or Facebook group for family-friendly activities near you and choose the ones that look the most active and engaging. You’ll burn calories without even knowing it!
2. Recreate school P.E. for everybody If your children enjoy school P.E. lessons, you can recreate these at home and get involved too! Ask your children what their favourite P.E. activity is and creatively find a way to use your garden or local park to replicate this. It might be rounders, gymnastics or a friendly game of football. Whatever they choose, it’s bound to help you maintain your weight loss while bonding with your children too.
5. Play a workout video game If you’re the proud parent to slightly older children, you might find that an exercise-based videogame can be highly appealing to everybody. Virtual tennis, boxing, dance or aerobics can be enjoyed from the comfort of your living room and be adapted to all ability levels. Yes, these games come at a cost, but most consoles offer some sort of exercise game and the overall benefits to your health could be well worth the investment.
3. Set up an obstacle course If you have a garden, you can revisit your youth by setting up a post-Easter-lunch obstacle course. Construct hurdles, tunnels and activities using everyday household items. It doesn’t matter how unprofessional it looks! As long as it’s age appropriate for your smallest children, everyone can have a go.
At The Slimming Clinic, we believe that exercise can easily become a family-affair. There is no reason for your children to be the excuse for not exercising over Easter. In fact, their presence could make exercise far more fun than it usually is, giving you an opportunity to workout in ways you’ve never tried before!
theslimmingclinic.com
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LIAM’S STORY Liam’s weight soared to 18st 11lbs thanks to his love of beer and regular nights out, but he has since shed 3st 11lb and now weighs 15st.
B
eer lover Liam Ryan, from Basildon, would easily down 10 pints on a night out and his regular drinking sessions meant he weighed in at 18 stone 11lbs when he turned to The Slimming Clinic for help with his weight loss struggles. The 21-year-old, who shed 3 stone 11lb and now weighs 15 stone, confessed he started to have issues when he stopped playing rugby. >
Starting weight: 18st 11lbs
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My biggest downfall was beer. I never truly understood how many carbs this had End weight: 15
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SLIMMER SUCCESS STORY
“I lost 3st 11lbs” > ‘I was a rugby captain for several years and one day I tore a muscle and was out. Left without exercise and a love for food, it all started going downhill. The biggest problem I ran into was my self-confidence. ‘I could never really establish eye contact with someone or try getting their attention because I was worried they would not like what they see. This is when I knew things had to change for the better. ‘My biggest downfall was beer. I never truly understood how many carbs this had and coming from an Irish background, where 10 on a night out is a minimum, it was a recipe for disaster. ‘My biggest issue was acid reflux. When I was at my heaviest, every night I would wake up struggling to breath and gasping for air. It is even worse knowing it is my weight caused this. ‘With The Slimming Clinic I have found weight easy to lose. They always promote the healthiest lifestyles and are always giving you the best advice to shed the most weight possible, in the healthiest way.’ Liam has his target weight of 13 stone firmly set in his sights and is already enjoying the benefits of his weight loss results. He added: ‘Now I can actually go to a beach without thinking people are laughing at me.’
Tell us your story. Become one of our Slimming Clinc Models. Liam started having weight issues when stopped playing rugby
See page 29 33
THE FACTS
ABOUT XENICAL Reduces the amount of fat absorbed from food. XENICAL IS a slimming treatment offered here at The Slimming Clinic. Xenical works by blocking the uptake of up to 30% of dietary fat in each meal. Fat has the highest calories per gram of any of the major food groups with 9 calories per gram compared to 4 calories per gram in protein and carbohydrates. By reducing the amount of fat absorbed, Xenical reduces the number of calories taken in by the body for that meal. This helps you to achieve your required calorie deficit to help with your weight loss. You should aim to eat three main meals each day and your diet should be rich in fruit and vegetables, with your daily intake of fat, carbohydrates and protein distributed over these three main meals. Xenical should be taken before, during or within 1 hour of these meals.
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Xenical reduces the number of calories taken in by the body
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WHAT IS THE DOSE OF XENICAL? XENICAL should be taken with water either just before, during or within 1 hour after a meal containing fat. It can be taken before any of the 3 main meals, or it can be used occasionally with certain meals that have a higher fat content. If there is little to no fat in the meal then it may not be necessary to take a dose. Do not exceed 3 per day. CAN XENICAL BE TAKEN WITH APPETITE SUPPRESSANTS? YOU CAN take both Xenical and appetite suppressants if you and your The Slimming Clinics doctor feel that both medications will help you achieve your weight loss goals. IS IT NECESSARY TO TAKE A MULTIVITAMIN WITH XENICAL? IF YOU are using Xenical regularly then it is advisable that you take a multivitamin containing the fatsoluble vitamins A, D, E and K before bed. CAN ANYONE USE XENICAL? XENICAL can only be prescribed to those with a BMI of over 27. Your The Slimming Clinic doctor will provide you with more information.
To find out more about our treatments or to book a FREE consultation call us on 0800 917 9334
“I lost 2st 2lbs”
“I lost 4st”
Our promise to you We will help people to look better, feel better and achieve their dreams. We believe in simple science - proven effective treatments, delivered without overcomplication. We will take personal responsibility for being the best you can be - every day is a fresh start, another chance to be better than yesterday. We believe that for us, it’s personal - your success is ours.
“I lost 3st 11lbs”
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