A University of Newcastle researcher has won a prestigious award for her research on a web-based weight loss program.

The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) has awarded Melinda Neve 2011 Emerging Researcher for her groundbreaking research into the effectiveness of an internet-based program to help overweight and obese people lose weight.

The accredited practising dietitian, with a passion for nutrition research, tracked the progress of participants over 15 months, and found web-based weight loss programs are effective in reaching a large number of people at risk of health problems due to their weight.

Her work has helped dietitians better understand the usefulness of these programs as a treatment option for overweight and obese adults.

Ms Neve’s research forms part of her PhD studies, which she submitted in March this year through the University. She was awarded an Australian Postgraduate Award in February 2008 to undertake her PhD. She has worked as a research assistant/project officer at the University of Newcastle and Hunter New England Population Health.

“I’m interested in evaluating innovative ways to integrate technology, such as the internet and smartphones, into dietetic practice. My current research looks specifically at web-based weight loss programs,” she said.

For more information on postgraduate studies visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/what-can-i-study/postgraduate-programs.