|
About the IDEAL Study
The IDEAL Study is being conducted to address an important unmet need in adults with asthma who are also living with overweight or obesity. The study aims to evaluate the first individualised weight‑management approach designed specifically for this group by combining medical nutrition therapy with a personalised physical activity prescription. The data collected, including asthma symptoms, inflammation in blood and lungs, will help determine the program’s effectiveness, mechanisms, acceptability, and cost, contributing to improved long‑term management strategies for asthma. The research is conducted by The University of Newcastle at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and has been approved by the Hunter New England Human Research Ethics Committee (Reference: 2023/ETH00833). Findings from this study may guide future clinical care and support tailored interventions for people living with asthma.
How the study runs
Following an initial phone screen, individuals are invited to attend an in‑person screening visit at HMRI. After completing baseline assessments, participants are randomly allocated—like a coin toss—into one of two groups. The IDEAL Program group receives 5 sessions with a dietitian and exercise physiologist over the course of 16 weeks, and the Control Group continues usual care. Both groups come back for assessment visits at 4 and 12 months. The Control Group also receives a counselling session at the 12-month mark
Eligibility and who can join
This study may be suitable for you if:
- You are aged 18 years or older with a doctor’s diagnosis of asthma;
- Are usually using your asthma medication two (2) times per week or more;
- Have current asthma symptoms; and
- Have a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 27kg/m2 and/or a waist circumference equal to or greater than 88cm (women) or 102cm (men)
This study is not suitable for you if you:
- Are a current smoker;
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding;
- Have a serious medical condition (e.g., unstable angina, unstable metabolic disease (e.g., unstable diabetes), stroke, renal (kidney) failure, hepatic (liver) failure, heart failure, HIV, or terminal illness;
- Have had unstable weight (±5% change in the last three months);
- Currently have a severe orthopaedic problem or a medical issue that would compromise your ability to undertake physical activity or dietary modification, including previous bariatric surgery; or
- Are taking insulin or a GLP-1 (oral diabetes medications and non-insulin injections are OK).
How to Join
- Direct screening link: Click here to open (External Link)
- Participant Information and Consent Form: Click here to open (External Link)
- Contact the team by phone: 02 4055 0983
Where to find further information
- Website of Research Study: Click here to open (External Link)
- Study Contact Name: Tamara Blickisdorf
- Study Contact Email: ideal@newcastle.edu.au
This information was provided to Allergy Life Australia by the University of Newcastle. This Page was last updated on 17th March 2026
Allergy Life Australia highlights allergy research studies and trials being conducted to keep the community informed. Unless detailed, Allergy Life Australia is not affiliated with any of the allergy research studies and trials listed and does not endorse or sponsor them. All study details, including eligibility, participation, and outcomes, are managed entirely by the respective study organisers or institutions. For specific questions or concerns regarding a study, please contact the organisers directly. Participation in any allergy research study and trial is voluntary and at your own discretion.
