The HeLP-her study was a randomised controlled trial of a low-intensity, self management intervention to prevent weight gain in women. The program has shown to be successful in preventing weigh gain in women. The HeLP-her healthy lifestyle program was based on established psychological theory and health promotion principles. The multifactorial intervention activated participants to consider personal skills, risk factors and barriers, to set personal achievable goals and to self-monitor. This program builds on the observed social cohesion and connection found in the school setting, as well as peer persuasion and social support shown to be active within community settings to strengthen and sustain behaviour change. 250 mothers of young children were recruited from 12 primary schools and allocated as clusters to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group attended four group sessions, where they were measured, had blood collected and completed questionnaires. The intervention consisted of providing simple nutrition and physical activity messages and a behavior change component with support for 1 year. The control group received population dietary and physical activity guidelines in a single education session, with no further support. 

Some key findings

Weight

• The intervention successfully prevented weight gain compared to the control group

Diet and activity

• average energy intake was 6782 kJ per day (1614kcals) 
• average fat intake was 68.1g per day equivalent to 32% of total energy, 13% of energy was derived from saturated fat
• the average pedometer steps per day were 9135 and overall 67% of women reported less than 10,000 steps per day. 
• 74% of women report they had walked with their children in the past 7 days

Psychosocial measures

• 58% of participants were actively trying to stop from gaining weight
• participants were more confident they could change their diet than engage in physical activity

Weight management practices

• 90% of participants would prefer to weigh less
• 27% of women had spoken to their General Practitioner (GP) about weight in the past year 18% discussed physical activity.
• 72% reported they had made some changes in order to lose weight over the past year

The results of this study have been communicated widely through peer reviewed journals, presentations at Australian and international conferences and through the media. 

If you would like to know more about this study please contact:

Catherine Lombard
Phone: 03 9594 7527
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Content updated May 18, 2010