A study published in the British Medical Journal, showed that women who take part in weight and health awareness programs have more chance of maintaining a healthy active physique than others who attend single-sessions on diet and fitness.

The study, done by Dr. Catherine Lombard, Professor Helena Teede from the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women's Health and Monash University in Melbourne, encompassed 250 adult women with ages between 25 and 49 years old and with body shapes ranges between fit women to obese women.

These women were divided into two groups, one of which attended the Help-Her program that offers the participants 4 interactive sessions about how a woman can change her behavioral strategies through sessions on problem solving, relapse prevention, self-monitoring and personal goals. The women of this group have also been motivated through monthly SMS that directly communicate the importance of staying active and of having a healthy lifestyle.

On the other hand, the other group of women underwent scheduled measures and weighing after attending a lecture about healthy eating and physical activity, with no personal guidance.

Women from both groups were weighed after 12 months. Women from the first group recorded fewer heart diseases, less cholesterol levels and more weight loss percentages than women from the second group.

Researchers said, "Our findings suggest that excess weight gain in women may be prevented by using a low intensity community based program that promotes self management and includes personal contact with ongoing remote support".