Health and nutrition researchers at Queen’s University Belfast are looking for new mums to take part in a weight loss study.
The Supporting MumS (SMS) study was developed in recognition of the lacking services available to help women with their wellbeing during the postpartum period. The study’s aim is to support new mums with weight management and the adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviours whilst taking into consideration their hectic schedule.
During the study, advice in diet and exercise is delivered through automated text messages; the messages have a friendly and empathetic tone and have been designed by mums for mums.
The intervention was tested among women in Northern Ireland and following its successful results, it has now received greater funding to run at a UK-level. The research team are hopeful it could run in the future as a service by the NHS.
Supporting MumS is funded by the National Institute for Health Research and Public Health Agency. Queen’s is the leading site and they are also collaborating with London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of Stirling, Cardiff University and Bradford Teaching Hospitals.
Researchers are aiming to recruit 170 women living in Belfast and the surrounding area. To find out more, scan the QR code in the leaflet image, text or phone 07341 888415, email supportingmums@qub.ac.uk or visit go.qub.ac.uk/SMSstudy
Header image credit: Tim Samuel
