Further Information

Proven benefits of SHED-IT

SHED-IT is easy to use and has delivered outstanding, sustained weight-loss results in rigorous randomised controlled trial testing, with men who use the program as recommended losing almost 10kgs throughout the 12 week program (4-5kg on average). These results are comparable with intensive weight loss programs that require multiple face-to-face sessions.

Additional proven health benefits

• Reduced waist circumference, blood pressure, percent body fat and visceral fat area
• Improved resting heart rate
• Increased physical activity
• Improved depressive symptoms and quality of life (physical and mental)
• Reduced risky alcohol behavior
• Improvements in erectile dysfunction
• Reduced meal portion size

Sustained weight loss results

A recent study looked at the long term success of men who had lost weight using the SHED-IT Program. On average, the men lost 7.4 kg in the first 3 months. Three years later, the men had retained 60% of this weight loss, even though they received no additional support!

To put this in perspective, these results are significantly better than most scientifically evaluated weight loss programs (Dombrowski,, 2014) and comparable to intensive programs including a recent U.S. study, where participants received 20 face-to-face sessions during weight loss and 12 follow-up consultations after the program had finished (Svetkey, 2008).

What does the academic literature say about SHED-IT?

The unique approach of SHED-IT has been commended by international researchers as “A momentous step toward addressing the long overlooked need to develop behavioural weight control programs that appeal predominantly to men and have wide reaching potential to impact obesity among the male half of our population”

Befort (2013). Bridging the gender gap in Behavioural Obesity Intervention: a Comment on Morgan et al. Annals of Behavioural Medicine, 45(2), 133-134.

The SHED-IT Research Team

Lead Investigator and Founder - Dr. Philip Morgan (BEd (HPE) (Hons), PhD)

Phil is a Professor in Education at the University of Newcastle. He is regarded as an international expert in understanding and promoting healthy lifestyles in men. Phil has won numerous national and international awards for his research into weight loss programs specifically designed for men.
Read more about Phil and his research here

Dr. Clare Collins (BSc, Dip Nutr&Diet, Dip Clin Epi, PhD)

Clare is a Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Newcastle. She is a Fellow of the Dietitians Association of Australia, a well-known media commentator on nutrition and leader of the largest group of Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) researchers in Australia.
Read more about Clare and her research here

Dr. Robin Callister (BPharm, MSc, PhD)

Robin is a Professor in Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy at the University of Newcastle. She is an exercise physiologist with over 20 years of research experience and a pharmacist registered in NSW.
Read more about Robin and her research here

Dr. Ron Plotnikoff (BAEd (PE), PhD)

Ron is a Professor in Education at the University of Newcastle and Co-Director of the Centre for Active Living and Learning. Ron is an internationally regarded researcher in population health and physical activity research.
Read more about Ron and his research here

Dr. Myles Young (BPsyc (Hons), PhD)

Myles is a post-doctoral research fellow at the University of Newcastle. He was awarded his PhD in May 2015 and completed a Bachelor of Psychology (Hons 1A) in 2009. Myles’ research is focused on the development and testing of theory-based, gender-tailored weight loss and weight loss maintenance programs for men.
Read more about Myles and his research here

Testimonials

Davids Story: “Before SHED-IT I had tried nearly every kind of fad and fast-fix diet. They work at first, but as soon as you come off the diet, the weight piles back on. The SHED-IT program changed my whole approach to diet and exercise. The program has changed my life.”

“The structure of the program gave me simple insights and tools. Its simplicity is it's genius!"  57 years old (lost 8 kg)

“the most realistic weight loss program ever! I now have better control over when to stop eating and when to avoid foods that are kilojoule dense.”  39 years old (lost 5 kg)

“practical and realistic. It seemed like it was aimed at me as an overweight male. Everything else I had looked at was for women.”  42 years old (lost 11 kg)

“taught me to make small changes like reducing the snack foods I was eating and doing extra exercise. I couldn’t believe that weight loss could be so simple. 21 years old (lost 10 kg)

“This program has completely changed my life. I was really battling with my weight and health, but now I know I’m in control.”     58 years old (lost 8 kg)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should use SHED-IT?

• Overweight men (BMI 25-42 kgm^-2) aged >18 years, looking to shed a few kilo’s, with access to a mobile phone or computer with internet facilities.

• Men with a higher risk of medical problems may require closer supervision and support than that provided in the SHED-IT program. If you meet any of the following criteria it is recommended you seek professional medical advice prior to participating in SHED-IT:
• Age> 65 years
• BMI < 20 or >42 kgm^-2
• Medical conditions including, suffering from cancer, liver disease (e.g. cirrhosis), kidney or gastrointestinal disease (e.g. Crohn’s disease), renal failure, coeliac disease and malabsorption diseases, epilepsy, gall bladder disorder or stones, gout, thyroid disease (overactive), angina, chest pain (undiagnosed) or severe shortness of breath, cardiac arrhythmia, heart disease or high blood cholesterol, heart attack, high blood pressure uncontrolled by medication
• Type 1 or 2 diabetes
• Depression
• Taking medications that contain mono-amine oxidase inhibitors, lithium, anticoagulants (e.g. Warfarin), steroids, or medicated for arthritis
• Undergone major surgery less than 3 months ago
• Previous coronary bypass surgery
• If you are following a medically prescribed diet for a health problem
• Physical limitations that may reduce exercising capacity including musculoskeletal, joint or arthritic conditions
• Eating disorders, food allergies and/or sensitivities

Information for GPs and Health Professionals

SHED-IT (Self-Help, Exercise, Diet & Information Technology) is an evidence based Men’s weight loss program developed by internationally regarded Men’s health researcher, Professor Philip Morgan, and a team of experts in weight loss, exercise physiology, physical activity, psychology and nutrition at the University of Newcastle’s Centre for Active Living and Learning.

SHED-IT has been specifically tailored for men and includes examples and scenarios that men can relate to and commonly experience. SHED-IT teaches men how to achieve realistic and sustainable weight loss by providing weight loss information (energy balance, calculating total energy expenditure and tracking energy intake) and outlining nine key weight loss messages.

SHED-IT instructs men in how to track their weight and waist circumference; eating and exercise and to identify and record sources of social support and personal weight, physical activity and eating goals. Men are also instructed to track their steps using the provided pedometer and aim for a weekly average of at least 10,000 steps per day. Users are advised to consult their doctor or an appropriate allied health professional prior to participating in more vigorous physical activities.

Can women use SHED-IT?

While SHED-IT is targeted specifically towards men, the information delivered in SHED-IT is also very relevant for women. In fact, many men participating in our previous SHED-IT men’s weight loss research have used the program with their wives/partners as a great way of motivating each other and losing weight together.

Please note, women who are pregnant or breast feeding should seek professional medical advice prior to using SHED-IT.