Any New year's resolutions to lose weight might be fading fast, as we over halfway through 2018.

But you do still want to shift some weight, ahead of a holiday, or summer wedding, you have options.

One, is to bite the bullet, admit you may need professional help and go and join a slimming club.

But the question is, which one?

The two big hitters which dominate the fat-fighting market are Weightwatchers and Slimming World.

Both have been established for decades and both are proven to work.

So how do you decide which is for you?

Birmingham Live spoke to two women who have lost weight with either Weightwatchers or Slimming World and asked them to explain how they work.

Caroline Kulemeka

Caroline Kulemeka, aged 37, a Birmingham call centre work who lives in Dudley , lost eight stone with Weightwatchers, dropping from a size 22 to a size 8/10.

Natalie Howard, 38, a former clerk at a barrister’s chambers in Birmingham who lives in Stourbridge , lost six stone with Slimming World.

Natalie Howard, before she lost six stone

She slimmed down from a size 20 to a size 10.

How does the plan work?

Weightwatchers (WW):


Best known for its “points” system, whereby every food and drink is given a points value.

Weightwatchers is currently calling these SmartPoints and every member is given a weekly and daily budget of these to “spend”. There are also Zero Points foods.

Caroline said: “You can follow the plan by doing either counting all your food, or follow a ‘No Count’ route which involves eating mainly Zero Points foods.

“You also get a weekly SmartPoints budget to use for the foods that aren’t on the Zero Points list.

“It’s also flexible in that you’re able to roll over some of the Smartpoints you’ve not used in a day.”

Slimming World (SW):

Slimming World

This plan works by dieters being given three lists of foods to choose from.

There are Free Foods, which you can eat unlimited amounts of; Healthy Extras, which you’re allowed a limited number of every day and Syns - sugary, high fat foods which each have a Syn value.

Super slimmer Natalie Howard from Stourbridge after her Slimming World transformation

Natalie said: “The Free Foods are things such as fruit, vegetables, pasta, potatoes, rice, lean meat, fish and eggs.

“These foods can be eaten in unlimited amounts. There’s no calorie counting, no foods are banned.”

What food and drink can I have?


Anything you like! As long as you “track” it (write it down) and keep an eye on your portion sizes.

Super slimmer Caroline Kulemeka

Caroline said: “The idea is to still make and enjoy daily foods you love, ensure you’re never going hungry however make sensible choices.

“For example things like skinless chicken breast, fish , eggs, beans, 0% fat yogurt are Zero Point foods. But food like fried chicken, chips, certain snacks and generally foods in high saturated fat, salt and sugar have a higher SmartPoint value. So you’re taught to spend your SmartPoints on the more fulfilling nutritious foods.”

Slimming World:

Whatever you like! The plan allows you to eat unlimited food - but shows you how to make sure it the majority of it is healthy.

Natalie Howard from Stourbridge has lost six stone and dropped from a dress size 20 to 10

Natalie said: “There’s no weighing, calculating, estimating or counting and there’s not a point or a unit in sight.

“Unlike other diets, at SW those fatty foods that we crave so much are not banned when you’re eating healthily.

“Syns provide the control - these are foods that would most certainly jeopardise your weight loss if you didn’t control them. Every day you can enjoy between five to 15 Syns.”

What happens at class?

Weighing-in time


For anyone fighting the flab, the hardest part is plucking up the courage to walk into your first class.

But Caroline said there was nothing to be scared of.

“Everyone was really friendly and welcoming at my class,” she said.

“You first have the weigh-in with your coach and this is followed by a sit down talk with the other members.

“The talk involves a look back at the week, celebrate achievements of weight losses or other non scale victories like fitting in dress or able to do more exercises and just general wellbeing .

“You get ideas, recipes and also plans for the week ahead to help stay on track.”

Slimming World:

Natalie said: “Each class is led by a consultant who is a former member who has lost weight with SW.

“After being weighed and given your daily and weekly Syn allowance you will receive your pack containing all the information you need about how the plan works.”

Exercise will help you lose weight

How easy is it to follow?


Caroline said: “It’s very easy as you’re still cooking and making the daily foods you love. You have tools like the App to help you track your meals. Plenty of recipes and ideas plus online support.”

One of the main differences with WW is that members earn Fitpoints - extra points to spend on food or drink earned through exercise, be it from a simple walk to an hour-long aerobics class.

Slimming World:

Natalie said “incredibly easy” because there were only three rules to remember - is what you’re about to eat or drink a Free Food, a Healthy Extra or a Syn?

What happens if I go out for a meal at a restaurant?


Using the WW App, you can still plan and track your meals, even if you’re eating out.

Caroline said: “The majority of restaurant dishes are available through it, and the books given at WW meetings will help you.

“If this is not available, still go along and enjoy your meal but make sure you track it.

“You can still have treats and indulge - there are no Smartpoints police!”

Slimming World:

Natalie said: “You can enjoy nights out. There’s a section at the back of your Food Optimising book called the ‘eating out’ guide.

“With this and help from other experienced members in group you can be equipped and ready to enjoy yourself.”

How much weight should I expect to lose in a week?


Overall, between 1-2lbs a week. Some weeks you might lose more weight, others you might gain.

Slimming World:

If you follow the plan 100 per cent, you can expect to lose between 4lbs to 7lbs in the first week, more if you have a lot to lose. But 2 - 3lbs a week is easily achievable.

I'm really overweight - is slimming club suitable for me?

Slimming clubs show you how to swap unhealthy foods for healthy ones


Caroline said: “Yes definitely! It helps you not only to lose it on a realistic level, but also to keep it off. Your Smartpoints budget is also regularly adjusted to where your weight is currently on.”

Slimming World:

Natalie: “Absolutely! SW can help everyone - whether you have just one stone or 20 stone to lose.”

I can't go to same class every week, can I still join?

Weightwatchers and Slimming World: Yes, you can attend any class anywhere at whatever time suits you.

If I don't lose weight, will the consultant tell me off?


Caroline said: “No, the coaches are encouraging and give you motivation all the time.

“You can speak to them, even request a call/ text from them if you want a midweek boost. They also help you in setting realistic goals on your journey.”

Slimming World:

Natalie said: “Absolutely not! There is no judgement or humiliation. We have all been there, so we understand.

“The consultant can help and support you to make the changes you need and inspire you to try again.

“You can always be assured that there is complete confidentiality too: No one will disclose your weight.”

How much does it cost?

These are the current deals, but keep an eye out as they always have discounts and offers.


Weekly meeting only - £6.25 per meeting.

Online + app - £22.95 for one month; £34.20 for three months; £77.70 for six months

Online + app + meetings - £31.45 one month; £52.05 three months; £128.70 six months

Slimming World:

Weekly meeting only - £4.95 per meeting, but there are discounts if you pay in advance for six or 12 weeks.

Online only (for three months) - bronze £60, silver £65, gold £80.

For more details, including your nearest classes. go to: