In another decade or two these women could be 15-20kg heavier, putting themselves at greater risk of chronic disease. The aim of the research was to develop a simple program that prevented women gaining more weight and the HeLP-her Healthy Lifestyle Program did achieve that.

"We need to acknowledge the struggle this is for many women and their families on a daily basis. We know women are trying hard to lose weight, or to maintain a steady weight, but whatever they are currently doing isn't working. They need more support," said Prof Teede.

"Our research found that you can't just give women a few brochures about diet and exercise and expect them to do it themselves. Excitingly, our research suggests that it only takes small, simple changes, together with a bit of support, for ordinary women to successfully control their weight," she says.

Teaching women skills that increase their ability to recognise barriers to healthy lifestyles and then supporting them to change behaviour are important strategies to help prevent women gaining excess kilos.

In addition the connections women have with each other in their local community through schools, kindergartens and social groups are important in supporting these new healthy behaviours.

According to Dr Lombard the essential elements of the program could easily be translated into other community settings across Australia.

"Running such a program in a community setting such as a primary school worked well. Women did not need to attend a clinic - in this case they were already at school because they were dropping off or collecting their children, and they helped each other with ideas and strategies about how to avoid gaining weight," she said.

"We know women are interested in learning about preventing weight gain, we know it is important to their health and we know it works. Now we need to make sure women have access to programs locally that will help them and their families stay healthy."

Source: The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women's Health