THE leader of a Winwick-based weight loss group has backed new research which suggests that eating low-energy dense foods is better for weight loss than calorie-counting diets.

Marisa Simms-Crewe, who runs a Slimming World clinic at Winwick Leisure Centre, said that her group’s food optimising eating plan is better at curbing weight than an NHS choices diet.

Participants in a study conducted by the University of Leeds ate low energy and high energy meals for two days each, finding that they felt fuller after the lower-energy food.

The participants were then monitored over 14 weeks to explore the long-term effects, which found that the lower-energy diet curbed 6.2 per cent of body weight.

Mrs Simms-Crewe said: “I tried so many fads when I decided I wanted to lose weight. I lost weight at first but put it all back on because I felt restricted and deprived.

“When I joined Slimming World, everything changed. From the first week I learned that you can feel full and lose weight while enjoying your favourite dishes.

“It’s about making small changes to the way you shop, cook and eat. I eat more than I ever did, but I eat smarter by making homemade meals from scratch – I can also enjoy a glass of wine or a bar of chocolate too.

“This research doesn’t surprise me,” Marisa added. “My members know they don’t have to weigh, count or measure everything they eat to lose weight.

“It’s a lifestyle, not a quick fix, and it’s something that can be kept up forever.”

If you are interested in attending the sessions, contact Marisa on 07452 736736, or visit facebook.com/slim withmarisa. 

The classes are held at the leisure centre every Wednesday at 5pm and 7pm.