The Slimpod programme is a weight loss ‘solution ‘delivered via an app on phones or tablets for just nine minutes a day.
By using neuroscience techniques, it has claimed that it changes the way people think and feel about food enabling them to instinctively make healthier choices and move more.
The programme says that because Slimpod changes eating habits at an unconscious level, the weight loss for many has been permanent.
The 12-week trial with 50 patients measured how much weight they could lose without using willpower or dieting. On average, the patients lost 20lbs, with 72% reporting a decrease in appetite and 65% saying they have ore energy.
GP Dr Syed Asad Ali, of the Millgate Healthcare partnership in Denton, led the patient study, he said: “Almost 70% of residents have a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more – one of the worst rates in Greater Manchester. About 40% to 50% of all consultations in GP practices are as a direct consequence of diet-related illness like a new diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes or its complications - heart disease, stroke, certain type of cancers and kidney failure. We need to tackle this problem with every means at our disposal.”
The study, which followed on from the ‘success’ of two projects with staff at Tameside Hospital, Manchester is an initiative between Tameside and Glossop Integrated.
97% of staff in the trial reported they lost interest in snacking and as a result ate healthier food and lost weight.
Slimpod programme creator Sandra Roycroft-Davis, a Harley Street weight loss specialist, added: “The Tameside staff have had huge success with their Slimpod programmes – their weight loss averaged between 28 and 56lbs over six months.
“One of them lost so much weight, and has kept it off for more than a year, that she’s been able to significantly reduce her Type 2 diabetes medication.. I’m very excited by the Denton results because I believe studies like this show how making a difference to community health can dramatically ease the pressure on the NHS.”