The University of Newcastle research on men in the 18- to 25-year bracket aims to identify what kind of health program would best target this age group.

“The health programs that are available don’t appeal to young men,” HMRI physical activity researcher from the University of Newcastle Lee Ashton said.

“This group has a number of health concerns, but in our research there are no behavioural programs available to them.”

Mr Ashton said a more tailored approach to men’s health could reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular issues later in life.

The study comes off the back of results from the Australian Health Survey, which showed 97 per cent of men in this age group did not consume recommended daily servings of fruit and vegetables, and 48 per cent did not meet national physical activity quotas.

“It also found that 50 per cent of young men had trouble coping with stress,” he said.

“This is something that could be addressed in a health program.”

The survey is live at www.surveymonkey.com/r/youngmensurvey and all participants go into a prize draw to win an IPAD mini or one of five Woolworths wish vouchers worth $150.

Mr Ashton said the survey would inform the creation of a health program later this year and recruits would be called for in January 2016.