Slimming World is set to rename its controversial ‘Syns’ category in an effort to modernize its language and emphasize a focus on health.

The UK-based weight-loss organization, which originated in Alfreton, Derbyshire, in 1969, introduced the ‘Syns’ term in the early 2000s to categorize foods with low nutritional value and high calorie content.

However, the term—used for items like biscuits, sweets, and alcohol—has fallen out of favor, with critics arguing it evokes negative connotations by associating certain foods with the idea of ‘sinning.’

In response, Slimming World has decided to retire the label after conducting a review of its language and terminology.

Starting January 2026, the ‘Syns’ will be rebranded as Slimming World Individual Picks, or Swips.

Lisa Salmon, Managing Director of Slimming World, stated, “Our philosophy has always been about alleviating the guilt people feel concerning food and weight. We aim to offer a healthy, adaptable, and sustainable approach to eating that can seamlessly integrate into any lifestyle for the long haul.”

‘We’ve had feedback that the word Syn suggested we wanted to make people feel ashamed about eating those higher calorie foods – which couldn’t be further from the truth.

‘However, we recognise the power and impact of words, so while we’ve never wanted to make people feel guilty, ashamed or judged, it was important that we listened and made a change.’

The weight-loss organisation, founded in Alfreton, Derbyshire, in 1969, has done a U-turn on the term, which is used to describe foods that are deemed low in nutritional value and high in calories. Stock image

And that’s not the only change the brand is making

Members using the Slimming World diet plan, called Food Optimising, will notice several changes, including the introduction of healthy fats such as nut butters and avocados.

Following the change, dieters will now be able to more easily tuck into an avocado and nut butters, which were previously worth 14 Syns – a relatively high figure compared to most other fruits and vegetables, which fall into the ‘Free Food’ category.

According to the diet brand’s website, other free foods include lean meat, eggs, fish, pasta, potatoes, fruit, and vegetables.

This is because they are ‘filling and low in calories for their weight’. Dieters can eat as many ‘Free Foods’ as they wish.

The plan suggests that people should consume no more than 5 to 15 Syns daily.

Slimming World also includes ‘Healthy Extras’ in its diet plan, which allow participants to enjoy daily portions of foods containing essential nutrients to help ensure an overall balanced diet.

Healthy Extras will allow people to include foods rich in healthy fats, such as nuts and nut butters, seeds, avocado, and oils.

The term, which covers biscuits, sweets, and alcohol, has become less fashionable in recent years, with some complaining that it creates negative associations with eating and committing ‘sins’. Stock image

People will be able to select from a list of calcium, fibre and healthy fats choices each day and will be encouraged to choose based on ingredients that boost their overall health. 

Slimming World’s Managing Director Lisa Salmon said: ‘Our methods remain largely unchanged since Slimming World was founded by the late Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE in 1969. 

‘Just like Margaret always did, we’re constantly listening to our members, to the Consultants who run our groups and to the latest science to ensure Slimming World remains the most effective and realistic way to achieve lasting weight loss.

‘The weight management industry has transformed in recent years – most notably with the rise of weight loss medications – and we believe the role of lifestyle-based solutions like Slimming World is more important than ever. 

‘Language matters and we know ‘Syns’ can be misunderstood or be a barrier for some people who want and need support to reach a healthy weight. 

‘We want everyone to feel welcome at Slimming World and we hope making this change will help.’

It comes after the founder of Slimming World, Margaret Miles-Bramwell, died aged 76 in February.

Ms Miles-Bramwell passed away surrounded by her family in Mallorca after she had ‘touched the hearts and changed the lives of millions of people’, the company said in a statement.

The company said they were ‘heartbroken’ that their founder had passed away.

It added: ‘Margaret was a loving and much-loved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and the proud owner of several successful businesses in Mallorca and the UK, including the UK’s leading weight-management organisation Slimming World.

‘She undoubtedly touched hearts and changed lives for millions of people – and for all of us who knew and loved her. She’ll continue to do so for many more years to come. Our thoughts are with Margaret’s family.

‘We take comfort, as we’re sure they do, in the hope that Margaret is now reunited with her beloved Tony – sailing off into the sunset together.

‘Since founding Slimming World 56 years ago, her determination to help people shed the burden of excess weight without shame or guilt has seen it grow from a single group in 1969 to the global authority in weight management that it is today.

‘She leaves this world a healthier place.’

It continued: ‘Margaret has taken great care to ensure that plans are in place to keep the company safe and sound, knowing that she might not always be around to steer it, so that the business will continue to operate just as it always has – run by people who care passionately about changing lives.’

She founded Slimming World, which provides tailored food plans and weekly group sessions for weight management, in Alfreton, Derbyshire, in 1969.

The groups started off in a church hall but by the ’80s, they were providing 700 classes across the UK.

The company pioneered the first-ever NHS weight management referral scheme in 2000, allowing health professionals to refer overweight patients to Slimming World groups to manage their weight.

It went on to become the largest slimming club in the UK and Ireland in 2012, with more than 10,000 groups.

Ms Miles-Bramwell was made an OBE by Charles, then-prince of Wales, for her services to the health of the British public in 2009, the company’s 40th anniversary year.