A globally recognised leader in online weight loss programs will this week challenge a Newcastle audience to judge whether traditional face-to-face programs are ‘old hat’.

Professor Jean Harvey-Berino, from the University of Vermont, will visit Newcastle over the next two weeks under the Fulbright Senior Specialist Program. Her Australian visit is co-hosted by Monash University.

Professor Harvey-Berino will collaborate with researchers from the University’s Priority Research Centre (PRC) for Physical Activity and Nutrition. Her Newcastle visit will be launched this Friday with a free public lecture exploring the widening world of web-based weight loss programs.

Co-Director of the PRC for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Professor Clare Collins*, said Professor Harvey-Berino’s visit was a coup for the University of Newcastle.

"Our group is continuing to investigate ways to harness the growing global interest in web-based programs to further our research into community health and nutrition.

"Professor Harvey-Berino is a pioneer in the field of web-based weight loss and health interventions and this collaboration will forge invaluable relationships for our research teams."

The founder of the VTrim™ web-based weight loss program, Professor Harvey-Berino co-authored the Eating Well Diet book and in 2008 was the winner of a prestigious James Beard Award – the highest honour for food and beverage professionals in North America.

Jean Harvey-Berino is the Chair of the Nutrition and Food Sciences Department and a Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Vermont.

The Fulbright Senior Specialist Program is administered by the Australian-American Fulbright Commission and assists educational institutions in both countries to exchange expertise.

*Professor Clare Collins is a Co-Director of the University of Newcastle’s Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition and a member of HMRI’s Cardiovascular Health program. HMRI is a partnership between the University of Newcastle, Hunter New England Health and the community.

Media opportunity: The public lecture ‘Delivery of weight loss via the web: Are face-to face programs old hat?’, presented by visiting Fulbright Senior Specialist Professor Jean Harvey-Berino, will be held in the University of Newcastle’s Advanced Technology Centre (ATC) 210 on Friday 24 August, 10am-11am. Media are welcome to attend.