Aged 18 to 34? Here's why Slimming World means more than losing weight for young adults
New research reveals that members aged 18–34 who attend a Slimming World group are not only losing weight but gaining confidence, improving their physical and mental wellbeing and building healthy habits for life. For Lucia Walsh, a Slimming World Consultant in Blackpool, the findings are deeply personal.
Lucia joined her local Slimming World group as a young adult and went on to lose over two stone. Alongside the weight loss, she experienced profound changes in her health, confidence and outlook on life. Living with POTS syndrome, Lucia found that losing weight helped reduce the severity of her symptoms. She also gained a healthier relationship with food and movement, and a renewed sense of self-belief after years of struggling with anxiety and depression linked to undiagnosed ADHD.
Like many young people growing up in an era dominated by social media comparison and judgement, Lucia says joining a Slimming World group showed her a very different side of community.
Lucia says:
“Walking into group for the first time was a turning point for me. I realised how kind, compassionate and supportive people could be – and that made such a difference to my confidence. It wasn’t just about weight loss; it was about feeling understood and accepted.”
After transforming her own life, Lucia trained as a Slimming World Consultant and now runs thriving Slimming World groups in Blackpool, welcoming a growing number of 18–30-year-olds. Many of her members say they are drawn to the face-to-face support, the sense of belonging and the non-judgemental environment.
Lucia adds:
“I see younger adults arrive feeling stuck, overwhelmed or lacking confidence – and week by week, they start to believe in themselves again. Watching people grow in confidence, improve their mental wellbeing and feel proud of themselves is incredibly rewarding.”
The research, based on more than 3,200 Slimming World members aged 18–34, found they lost an average of 12 per cent of their body weight – around 2st 1lb. However, the benefits extended far beyond the scales:
• 92 per cent feel part of a supportive community
• 89 per cent report a healthier relationship with food
• 59 per cent say their mental wellbeing has improved
The findings come as experts warn that younger adults face the greatest risk of future weight gain, with global studies predicting that one in three children, teenagers and young adults could be living with overweight or obesity by 2050.
Lucia says:
“Younger adults are under so much pressure – from work, finances, relationships and constant online comparison. Our weekly groups offer something different: real connection, encouragement and a space where you don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep going.”
Since becoming a Consultant, Lucia has helped many members achieve significant weight losses while also building confidence and independence. Most recently, she has taken another major step forward herself, purchasing and moving into her own home – something she once never thought possible.
“At Slimming World, we’re not just helping people lose weight,” Lucia says. “We’re helping them build lives they feel proud of.”
Slimming World’s unique approach combines a flexible, science-backed healthy eating plan with weekly group support. Members learn practical strategies to overcome personal barriers, develop lasting habits and navigate the ups and downs of weight loss together.
Lucia says:
“Real change doesn’t happen when you go it alone. It happens when you’re surrounded by people who get it, cheer you on and believe in you – sometimes before you believe in yourself.”
Lucia Walsh’s Slimming World groups are held every Monday at 7.30am, 9.00am, 10.00am, 4.00pm, 5.30pm and 7.00pm at South Shore Tennis Club, Midgeland Road, Blackpool.