Upgrading to larger portions adds 12,000 calories over the year
People in West Lothian and Scotland are being ‘upsold’ unhealthy food and drink around 90 times per year as a result of verbal pushes in coffee shops, fast food outlets, restaurants and petrol stations, new research has found.
Being persuaded to upgrade to larger meals and drinks, add highcalorie toppings or sides to their order, or take advantage of special offers on unhealthy food and drink is leading people in the local area to consume an extra 12,000 calories a year, according to Slimming World and the Royal Society for Public Health.
However, while the organisations’ joint report reveals that the average person gains up to 5lbs a year by slipping into the ‘ upselling’ trap, Slimming World members in West Lothian are bucking the trend.
The West Lothian groups, who meet every week - with the support of a highly trained consultant are empowered to say ‘just this thanks’ to the tricks- of- the- trade used by businesses to persuade people to increase their order.
In fact, a national survey of 2,018 Slimming World members found that 89 per cent now feel empowered to refuse verbal pushes since becoming a member, and 80 per cent say they are now rarely or never successfully upsold to.
Following the report, members of the Thursday Bathgate group also say the support of their slimming group has also given them the tips and techniques to not only lose weight each week, but also to feel empowered to make healthy choices when out and about.
Slimming World consultant Stuart, who runs the Bathgate Thursday Slimming World group in the Regal Community Theatre at 5.30pm and 7.30pm and manages the team of local consultants, said: “This new research highlights a real problem that can really affect people’s weight, health and confidence – not to mention their wallet!
“Thankfully my members say they feel empowered to say ‘just this thanks’ when they’re upsold to.
“It really shows how important it is to make long-term changes rather than quick fix diets to lose weight and keep it off.
“In our Slimming World group, we share support and ideas for overcoming the common challenges in everyday life. By working through our problems together, and celebrating our achievements, we build confidence in ourselves and in each other.
“It’s no surprise my members feel they can comfortably say ‘no’, and there’s no doubt changes like this is why they’re now on their way to leading happier, healthier lives.”
Slimming World and RSPH are calling for businesses not to train staff to upsell unhealthy, high calorie food and drink and to pledge to only upsell healthy food and drink if they do upsell.
For more information about local Slimming World groups go to www. slimmingworld.co.uk.
It really shows how important it is to make long-term changes rather than quick fix diets