CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet: Motivational boost after tough 2020

After the emotional rollercoaster that was 2020, those on this popular diet have been given a much-needed psychological boost.

Behavioural scientists at CSIRO have recognised that dieters will need an extra boost to get motivated to lose weight following an energy-zapping, tumultuous 2020.

After dissecting the feedback from more than 11,000 CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet members, the psychology experts have developed a free online motivational map designed to help improve the mindset of those wanting to drop the kilos this year.

“Last year has had a big impact on the mood and mental health of Australians,” research scientist Dr Gilly Hendrie said.

“It’s been tough, never mind the extra COVID kilos.

“Following our study we have looked at ways to keep dieters on the right path.

“It’s important after a shaky year that they don’t set goals that are totally unachievable. Australians are ready to reset and may want everything to change too fast.

“Steady changes will bring better results.”

The study highlighted that almost 80 per cent of Australians are motivated to lose weight because they simply want to look better, and while vanity plays a big part in shedding of kilos, the most common reason is to improve quality of life and feel good.

...and after, with sons Nathan 7, and Alistair, 6. Picture Lachie Millard

Sasha Job before her CSIRO diet...

Based on psychology and behavioural science, the tool includes the new Start Strong Diet Quiz which assesses participants’ values and readiness for change and provides a motivational map to guide them.

Queensland mother Sasha Job managed to lose 12kg in 12 weeks from her 93kg frame last year, and will be jumping back in this year to lose another 4kg.

“There is no doubt that 2020 was a draining year, and I think that the extra boost through the tool will really help,” she said.

The CSIRO research shows that most people start the diet motivated and ready to bust the kilos but keeping up that momentum is not easy.

“That is where we hope to help. We will try to get people through the slumps,” Dr Hendrie said.

Ms Job said she is a busy mum to two young children and works as a physiotherapist.

“For me it’s not about looking better but I feel I have more energy to tackle everything,” she said.

CSIRO research shows that those that meet their milestones in the first three week of the Total Wellbeing Diet are likely to lose a larger amount of weight in the 12 weeks.

“The key for me is that my whole family enjoy the meals that are recommended on the diet as that makes life so much easier,” Ms Job said.

WHAT MOTIVATES WEIGHT LOSS

93 per cent .... quality of life

89 per cent .... for health

79 per cent .... for appearance

70 per cent ..... for myself

36 per cent ...... for family

24 per cent ....... recommended by someone

16 per cent...... a trigger event

Source: CSIRO