Diabetes UK defends partnership with Slimming World in face of criticism

Diabetes UK is to go ahead with its partnership with the weight loss company Slimming World, despite concern expressed by its advisory groups and others representing people with diabetes.

The charity announced the three year partnership in February, stating that it would involve the development of recipes and resources to “support people living with all types of diabetes or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.”1 Diabetes UK has said that it relies on “donations from partners that fund our work” but would not disclose how much money the deal is worth.2

The deal was met with surprise and disappointment among the charity’s healthcare professional and patient advisory groups, who had not been consulted on the collaboration. There was also upset about the decision to announce the partnership during eating disorders awareness week and about some of the terminology used by Slimming World.