ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at what the commercial slimming sector can offer, evidence of male involvement, a search of the literature to ascertain what research has been undertaken to date, and presentation of some male success stories. The three major commercial slimming organisations in the United Kingdom are Slimming World, Weight Watchers and Rosemary Conley. The Slimming World dietary approach is known as Food Optimising, which is based on scientific principles ensuring a healthy balanced dietary intake for all population groups. Traditionally commercial slimming groups are attended by overweight and obese female members and thus perceived as having a small role to play in supporting men to lose weight. Offering free or reduced-cost attendance at commercial weight management groups was recognised in this document and others as a means of expanding primary care organisation capacity. Thus self-esteem and mental well-being are important outcome measures in any weight management programme.
