Aiming to enhance young people’s nutrition awareness, researchers are trialling new instant-feedback technology.

Aiming to enhance young people’s health and nutrition awareness, University of Newcastle researchers are trialling a new technology-based instant feedback system in a nationwide study.

The Advice, Ideas and Motivation for My Eating (AIM4ME) project will generate personally-tailored, comprehensive assessments of food and nutrient intake by analysing the eating patterns of individuals in real time.

Developed in collaboration with Monash University, Curtin University, The University of Queensland and led by the University of Newcastle, AIM4ME is currently recruiting more than 2,500 young adults aged 18-24 to participate in a one-year study.

Lead investigator, Professor Clare Collins from HMRI’s Cardiovascular Research program, said the study provided a unique opportunity for young people to learn how their eating habits were tracking and how to access a range of online resources and tools to assist them in making healthy choices.

Not only will an individual feel better, a healthier diet translates to improved concentration to perform better when studying or working, as well as improvements in sporting performance,” Professor Collins said.

Young adults who participate in the AIM4ME study will be randomised into three different groups. As part of the intervention, all participants will be asked to complete a series of questionnaires and two of the groups will have access to nutrition resources on a comprehensive website with new content provided each month.

In addition to gaining valuable health and nutrition advice, participants will be supporting Oz Harvest by accumulating points, which translate to a charitable donation each time they complete an AIM4ME questionnaire.  Participants will also go in the draw to win gift vouchers.

Males and females aged 18-24 across Australia, who have a BMI greater than 18.5 are invited to participate in the study.  To find out more or to register, go to https://aim4me.newcastle.edu.au.

The AIM4ME project is funded by a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) targeted research grant.

Professor Clare Collins is a NHMRC Senior Research Fellow and the University of Newcastle’s Director of Research for the School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine. HMRI is a partnership between the University of Newcastle, Hunter New England Health and the community.