Inside the cost of losing weight: New study reveals spending changes

Ray Hart, 54, lost a whopping 50kg over nine months. This is how much more expensive it is for him, and others, to live a leaner and healthier lifestyle.

Aussies who lost weight by overhauling their lifestyle spent $200 more a month on healthy groceries, but almost made up the difference by saving on alcohol, snacks, dining out and takeaway.

The cost of losing weight has been calculated to be just $10 more a week, according to a small survey by the nation’s science agency.

The CSIRO found more than 60 per cent of current and past members spent a higher amount on groceries and physical activity, but only minimally increased their monthly spendings after cutting back on unhealthy options.

More than 83 per cent said they had more room in their budget after spending less on snacks, takeaway meals, dining out and booze.

The survey received answers from 1303 people aged between 28 and 85 over two weeks in July this year.

CSIRO research scientist, Dr Gilly Hendrie said while the price of food and drink went up it almost evened out when taking into account the other factors.

“It was interesting to see a shift in spending away from less healthy options like takeaway and alcohol and redirecting that towards healthier groceries, physical activity and even new clothes,” she said.

The average spend after weight loss, increased from $315 to $325 a month, as 61 per cent said they spent more on healthier alternatives.

An estimated monthly increase of $200 was seen for groceries, with respondents dishing out $120 more on fruits and veggies for meal prep, however booze was cut by $59 and dining out was reduced by $104.

Ray Hart, 54, lost 50kg in nine months — going from about 140kg to 90kg — and said his diet barely impacted his spendings.

However, the Bendigo man said his outlook on life had changed and he felt “like a teenager again”.

“There wasn’t really a change in spendings, I didn’t spend less, but now I know I’m getting better quality food,” he said.

Ray Hart lost 50kg and says his spendings stayed the same.

His passion for mountain biking and camping led to the diet, after he realised he had difficulty exercising and leaving his swag.

“I used to love riding but then it started getting harder and harder,” he said.

Easy changes in spending made the biggest difference for Ray.

“We spend more money on simple, easy-to-cook foods, and there’s much less takeaway,” he said.

Ray Hart before his weight loss.

Petrol station stopovers looked the most different during his weight loss journey.

“Now I come out with only a bottle of diet soft drink, whereas I used to buy chocolates and chips” he said.

Having kept consistent with his diet, Ray said he was excited to continue biking and compete in the national championships.

“I’ve already biked 8000kms for the year,” he said.

Ray Hart lost says his love for mountain biking encouraged his weight loss journey.

The survey found weight loss also reduced one in three’s (32 per cent) need for medical treatments.

For conditions like sleep apnoea and menopause, savings were among the highest at $91 and $45 per month respectively.

Mr Hart was diagnosed with severe sleep apnoea before losing the weight, leading him to need a CPAP machine every night.

However, he said his “sleep apnoea has virtually disappeared,” since dropping the weight.

Originally published as Inside the cost of losing weight: New study reveals spending changes