Parents angry after slimming guide slipped into school bags

PARENTS branded a primary school “disgraceful” after it gave Slimming World leaflets to children.

A mother-of-four emptied her fiveyear-old son’s homework bag last Friday to discover a booklet entitled Be Slim for Life showing before and after pictures of two weight-loss journeys.

The 42-year-old mother, from Staffordshire, said it was “appalling” to allow the “inappropriate” material to go out to impressionable youngsters and said her eight-year-old son had since asked about his weight.

She said: “There’s so much pressure on kids at the minute already. They are meant to conform to be stick-thin insects. Then they’re having this leaflet in their face saying ‘be slim for life’. If they’re not ‘slim for life’, does that mean they’re not accepted?”

She shared the booklet with other parents online, with the majority branding it “disgusting” and claiming it could risk children developing eating disorders.

Slimming World consultant Nikki Anderson admitted asking the school to put the fliers in school bags but claimed they were intended for parents, not children.

The Woodlands Community Primary School in Tamworth apologised “unreservedly” for any distress. A spokesman said: “We would like to assure

‘There’s so much pressure on kids already. If they’re not “slim for life”, does that mean they’re not accepted?’

all parents that the school was acting in good faith in letting parents know about the existence of the classes but appreciate that putting the leaflets in children’s bags was ill-advised.”

In response to the post, Ms Anderson wrote: “I had a lot of people come forward from it and actually ask me for more information or advice.

“It’s something that is completely family-based and works for people with children. It’s not at any way aimed at kids.

“The children are addressed on healthy eating, keeping active, healthy lifestyles to keep fit. There is not much difference except the front saying ‘keep slim for life’.

“It was in no way, shape or form sent out to upset anyone, but it’s an ‘agree to disagree’ subject. If it’s not for you, please just pop it in the bin.”

Slimming World, which offers family-focused classes for 11- to 15-yearolds, apologised for “any upset caused”.

A spokesman said: “Slimming World encourages healthy family eating and lifestyle.

“Consultants, who are self-employed and run local groups, are encouraged to share information about the support that they offer to people who are overweight in their communities.”