A NEW Monash University study aims to tackle rural obesity in young women.Monash University women's health researcher Cate Lombard is leading the study, which is set to focus on preventing weight gain rather than treating obesity.
The large-scale research is targeting 900 women aged between 18 and 50 living in 42 small rural communities across Victoria.
And will focus on participants changing their lifestyle and developing a low-cost program that helps women avoid putting on weight.
It's estimated 60 per cent of Australian women are overweight and those in their 20s and 30s are gaining weight faster than other age groups.
"They are often unaware that their yearly weight gain is having a major impact on their health," Dr Lombard said.
"Young women living in rural communities may be at an even higher risk."
Participants will attend a healthy lifestyle information session held locally and report on progress in two years.
Those interested in participating can email firstname.lastname@example.org.