Slimming World introduces major change following controversy around one detail
Niamh Spence
Featured Image Credit: SDI Productions/Getty Images
Even if you've never tried Slimming World out before, then you're probably still familiar with it.
But now the weight loss community - which has been been going since 1969 - has introduced a huge change that marks a very new direction for its famous diet plan.
The weight loss group is facing an overhaul of its terminology, and this means the iconic 'Syns' phrase is being cut from the official Slimming World rules.
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For those who don't know what a Syn is or what it represents, it is the name for foods higher in calories and lower in nutrients - such as sweets, alcohol, and fatty foods - which are consumed in moderation.
Members receive a daily Syn allowance to enjoy these treats, which are crucial for preventing feelings of deprivation and maintaining a balanced, long-term healthy eating plan without any food being completely off-limits.
Slimming World helps people lose weight by giving a list of 'free foods'. These are lower in energy density, meaning they have fewer calories per gram, and are highly satisfying, so you can fill up on them for fewer calories.
These include lean meats, poultry, fish, plant-based proteins, eggs, beans, fruit and veg, grains, potatoes and pasta.
The plan also encourages slimmers to enjoy measured, daily portions of foods containing essential nutrients to help ensure an overall balanced diet – these are called 'Healthy Extras'.
However, starting next year, the term 'Syns' will be replaced by Swips, which stands for 'Slimming World Individual Picks'.
This follows as Slimming World's healthy eating programme, Food Optimising, will also benefit from the addition of a healthy fats option, making it simpler to include foods such as avocado and nut butters in their weekly meal plans, with greater focus on the nutritional benefits.
The change in language comes after the term 'Syns' has been heavily scrutinised as it associated negative connotations with certain foods, with otherwise healthy options being ignored due to fears of having 'too many syns'.
Lisa Salmon, Slimming World's managing director, explained: "Our methods remain largely unchanged since Slimming World was founded by the late Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE in 1969. Just like Margaret always did, we’re constantly listening to our members, to the consultants who run our groups and to the latest science to ensure Slimming World remains the most effective and realistic way to achieve lasting weight loss.
"The weight management industry has transformed in recent years – most notably with the rise of weight loss medications – and we believe the role of lifestyle-based solutions like Slimming World is more important than ever. Language matters and we know ‘Syns’ can be misunderstood or be a barrier for some people who want and need support to reach a healthy weight. We want everyone to feel welcome at Slimming World and we hope making this change will help."