University of Newcastle researchers are calling for young women to help develop a new weight loss program designed specifically for them.

Researcher Dr Melinda Neve is analysing the key factors that influence and motivate women in their 20s to lose weight.

“Our research shows that women are gaining weight more rapidly during their 20s than any other life stage.  However, they are not interested in participating in traditional weight loss programs that are typically delivered face-to-face, in a group-based format,” Dr Neve said.

Dr Neve plans to develop a weight loss program delivered using innovative technologies such as smartphone applications.

“As the program will be designed specifically for young women, we need to do our groundwork first and explore young women’s expectations for their weight loss program,” she said.

The researchers are asking females aged from 18 to 30 years to complete a brief online survey about their weight control practices and expectations of a weight loss program.

For more information or to participate in the survey, click here.

Eligible survey respondents will go in the draw to win 1 of 10 gift vouchers from Westfield, Ella Rouge or Reading Cinema Gold Class, each valued at $150.