UPDATE: Due to overwhelming response, the positions for this study have now been filled.

If you鈥檝e been considering different options in your goal to reach a healthier weight, a brand new study through the University of British Columbia-Okanagan may let you do it for free!

, Director of Clinical Training in the Psychology Department, is one of the principle investigators in a 12-month study exploring the effectiveness of . In addition to the Canadian site, the $1.7 million, Weight Watchers International-funded study also includes participants in the U.S. and United Kingdom.

For the UBC-Okanagan study, approved participants will be randomly assigned into two groups 鈥� one undertaking the Weight Watchers Freestyle program, the other a 鈥淒IY鈥� group that will work to lose weight and improve fitness on their own, using a general health and fitness guide provided by the study team, explains research assistant Chloe Briggs.

Following the conclusion of the study, the DIY group will also receive a full-year membership plan for Weight Watchers.

Either way, 鈥渢hey鈥檒l get the Weight Watchers program absolutely free,鈥� Briggs says.

What is Weight Watchers Freestyle?

Building on Weight Watchers鈥� SmartPoints system, every food and drink has a value 鈥� one easy-to-use number based on calories, saturated fat, sugar and protein. Freestyle participants receive a SmartPoints budget that nudges them into making healthier eating choices, while staying satisfied and seeing weight-loss results, Weight Watchers explains.

Zero-points foods include lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, providing a foundation from which to build a healthy pattern of eating without imposing a great risk of overeating, so it鈥檚 easier to pay attention to when you feel satisfied.

Interested? Here鈥檚 what you need to know:

鈥� To be considered for the study, participants must be between the ages of 18 and 75 and have a BMI (Body Mass Index) between 25 to 45.

鈥� They must have access to and be able to attend four sessions at the Okanagan university. The first two visits will take place this July/August before the study begins in September. Two additional assessment sessions will be held 3 months and 12 months after the study鈥檚 start date. Three of the four sessions will involve testing factors such as weight, BMI, flexibility and aerobic stamina.

鈥� Visit for an initial online screening to see if you qualify, Briggs says.