MILLIONS of people in the UK are struggling to manage their weight, with serious health implications for themselves and our hard-pressed health services.

Research has uncovered a key factor which explains why some people find it harder to maintain a healthy weight than others. Some of us struggle because we have a 'low satiety response' – meaning that we find it harder to satisfy our appetite.

However, there is some good news. The research also shows that choosing certain types of food – foods lower in energy density (or calories per gram) – can help people with a low satiety response feel more in control of their appetite – and protect them from the risk of over-consuming calories, making it easier to lose weight.

Slimming World Consultant Craig Jackson, who runs groups in Oxton and Birkenhead, said: "This research is amazing, as it highlights what we are already offering in terms of our most liberating eating plan - Food Optimising, Our Slimming World Free Foods, are foods that are low in energy density and we can eat them in unlimited amounts."

The study, led by Dr Nicola Buckland and a team of researchers at Leeds University, examined the role of satiety response in relation to weight loss as part of a major project exploring the links between energy density, satiety and the psychology of weight control.

Researchers compared two groups of female slimmers, one following a typical calorie-counting diet, the others following Slimming World’s Food Optimising plan based on healthy, low energy dense foods, eaten freely.

These low energy dense foods are everyday staples such as fresh fruit and veg, lean meat and poultry, eggs, pasta, rice and fat free dairy products. The aim was to investigate the impact of these low energy dense foods on appetite satisfaction, and the role that feeling satisfied plays in feelings of self control and sticking with a weight loss programme.

Slimming World Consultant Craig also goes on to say "By following Slimming World’s amazing plan, which helps with feeling liberated, has allowed for me to lose over 5 stone!

"I wouldn’t have been able to do this whilst following something such as calorie counting, as I would have felt too deprived and hungry.”

Further analysis by researchers found that when people with a low satiety response ate meals based on low energy dense foods (which tend to be lower in fats and sugar, and higher in protein, complex carbohydrates and fibre) they were more in control of their appetite and their food choices than when they were given high energy dense meals.

They also found that slimmers were able to eat a greater volume of food, while naturally limiting their calorie intake.

Dr Jacquie Lavin, head of research and scientific affairs at Slimming World who contributed to the study, says: "The findings suggest that encouraging slimmers to base their meals on generous amounts of low energy dense foods is likely to have a protective effect, helping them manage their appetite better, and thereby protecting them from consuming excess calories."

Overall, in the study, slimmers who were following Slimming World’s eating plan based on eating low energy dense foods freely, felt more in control of their food intake and lost significantly more weight than the group following a calorie-controlled diet.

Dr Lavin said: "It’s important to recognise that any dietary approach to weight management has limited effects in isolation.

"However, when it’s achieved hand in hand with a multi-component group-based support programme like Slimming World’s which empowers slimmers to make deep-seated shifts in their mindset, and their behaviour around food and activity, they're more likely to achieve and maintain their weight loss goals in the long term".

Craig in his Oxton and Birkenhead groups in the last month has helped 20 of his members achieve their dream Personal Achievement Target weight, losing over 40 stone between them.

He said: "My role is amazing as I am helping hundreds of people week in week out change their lives, thanks to our amazing eating plan!"

In addition to his role as a Consultant, Craig is also a team developer for Slimming World, meaning he helps support and develop a team of consultants, and their members.

Craig goes on to say: "We have opportunities across the Wirral for self employed franchisees to join our team.

"With flexible hours and great income for 10-12 hours per week, if you are a past or present member I would love to hear from you"

If you would like to find out more and join one of Craig's groups, he runs these on:

Tuesday at 7:30am 9am 10:30am, 3:30pm 5:30pm and 7pm in St Saviours Parish Centre, Bidston Road, Oxton

Saturday at 7:30am & 9am in Laird Street Baptist Church, Laird Street, Birkenhead.

Feel free to just pop along to any of the sessions or call Craig on - 07824098747