13-year-olds targeted by slimming firm
IT is the time of year when slimming classes and gyms go into overdrive trying to recruit those who over-indulged over Christmas.
But Scottish Slimmers has come under fire after trying to attract children as young as 13 with free memberships.
The slimming firm has now opened its doors to teenagers, with their parents’ permission. Schoolchildren aged 13 to 17 can join classes without paying the sign-up charge of £10 or fees of almost £24 a month.
The company says it is helping young people to focus not on losing weight but living a balanced and healthy life.
However there are fears the move will increase body image insecurities and introduce youngsters to dieting far too young.
Liz Smith, Conservative spokesman for young people, said: ‘There’s no harm in making children aware from an early age about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. But most parents would want to see that achieved through exercise and a healthy diet. The idea of youngsters being herded into these classes at such a young age will not sit well with many people.’
Susan Dobson, Glasgow services manager for counselling helpline Childline, said: ‘There can be a lot of pressure on both young men and young women to look a certain way.
‘Magazines and social media can suggest that everyone is tall and slim with perfect skin, but not everyone is really like that – we only need to look around to see that everyone is different.
‘If young people do want to lose weight or put weight on, their doctor can help find a healthy eating and exercise plan. It’s important to support young people to lead healthy lifestyles without feeling that their value lies in their appearance.’
Other weight loss firms already welcome children, with Weight Watchers even attracting primary school children over the age of ten. Slimming World has created a programme for children aged 11 to 15.
Scottish Slimmers previously signed up adults only but changed its policy last year. The firm said there had been demand from members to bring along their children.
Marketing director Alexandra Howie said:
‘There isn’t a lot of help out there’
‘Studies show that overweight youngsters are more likely to grow into overweight adults. And with that comes the risk of serious illness, not to mention the crippling effects that being overweight can have on confidence levels and self-esteem.’
However, there are fears that putting young people’s focus on their weight could be harm- ful. The latest figures show girls as young as 12 are being diagnosed with eating disorders in Scotland.
The country’s largest health board, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, has admitted 119 teenagers and children under the age of 19 to hospital with eating disorders in the past three years alone.
Boys are catching up with girls for cases of anorexia and bulimia.
Scottish Slimmers says its eating plan is targeted specifically at young people. The firm, which has more than 400 classes across Scotland, states on its website that teenagers are different from adults, need calories for growth and development and should avoid fad diets. Young people are only allowed in with a parent or guardian and the scheme is still on trial.
Responding to the criticism, Mrs Howie said: ‘There isn’t a lot of help out there for teenagers and our focus is definitely not on weight loss but rather healthy eating and lifestyle, particularly increased activity.’