May 5, 2014
Illawarra researchers help local residents fight battle of the bulge
51²è¹Ý and Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District researchers are inviting Illawarra residents who are concerned about their weight and lifestyle to get involved in an innovative new trial of a personalised health program that will help them lose weight and develop a healthier lifestyle.
To be launched on Tuesday 6 May, the HealthTrack Illawarra-Shoalhaven Healthy Lifestyle study is testing a ‘novel’ approach to weight loss by bringing together researchers with expertise in nutrition, psychology, public health, exercise physiology, medicine, social sciences and statistics to help community members find the most effective approach to weight loss.
Professor Linda Tapsell, one of Australia’s most recognised nutrition and dietetics experts, is the study’s scientific leader.
“Over 60 per cent of Australians are now overweight and Illawarra Shoalhaven residents are, on average, more overweight than the state average. Clearly new approaches to this perennial problem are needed,” she said.
HealthTrack, funded and hosted by the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, has taken over a year to develop and test and will now aim to recruit 360 local residents aged between 25 and 54.
To get into the study, individuals must first complete a short online survey. From that, the team will determine who is suitable for the 12-month study and then tailor a program to their needs and provide them with ongoing support. Those who are unable to do the trial will be given links to online health programs and can complete the survey again a year later.
“We are very excited to be finally launching the study and telling the community about it,” added Professor Tapsell.
“We all know the feeling of putting on a bit of weight but, for some of us, this continues to progress and can impact on wellbeing. It can also increase our risk of developing diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
“The researchers in this study are bringing a diverse range of skills and backgrounds to the problem. They are passionate about helping people improve their lifestyles and will support the study’s participants who will not only be doing something for themselves, but contributing to the health of the local community by participating in scientific research.”
Professor Tapsell and the team are hoping that the local community gets behind the study by telling their friends, colleagues and family members about it.
“This is a great Illawarra initiative that feeds straight back into the community, so hopefully we can all work on it together.”
Note to media: HealthTrack will be launched at 10 am on Tuesday 6 May at the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Building 32 (Gerard Sutton Building), 51²è¹Ý campus. IHMRI Executive Director Professor Brett Garner, IHMRI Chief Operating Officer Sue Baker-Finch, ISLHD Director of Research Dr Marianna Milosavljevic and HealthTrack scientific leader Professor Linda Tapsell will be available for photo and interview opportunities.
Media contacts: Robyn Gower, IHMRI Communications Coordinator on +61 2 4252 8228 or rgower@uow.edu.au; or Grant Reynolds, UOW Media & PR Officer, on +61 2 4221 4743 or grantr@uow.edu.au.