A new study from CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, has found the benefits of weight loss extend well beyond the scales with nearly 90 per cent of survey respondents who lost over 15kg reporting improved health, wellbeing and energy levels.
With much already known about the clinical risk factors associated with obesity, the study focused on the broader physical, emotional and financial benefits of losing weight through the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet.
The survey of 1,300 past and present CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet Members found that those who achieved greater weight loss reported greater improvements to their quality of life.
Seventy-two per cent of members who lost at least 5kg, reported improvements in their health and satisfaction with life following weight loss success.
Additional benefits commonly reported by members included improved energy levels, body image, mobility, self-confidence, vitality and mood.
Lead researcher, Dr Gilly Hendrie, said the findings highlight the truly holistic impact that weight loss has on people's lives.
"This study shows that weight loss can deliver so much more than a number on a scale," Dr Hendrie said.
"It has the power to transform how people feel, move, live, and even how they spend. The flow-on effect of improved health, mood, and confidence can change someone's whole outlook on life."
Eighty-seven per cent of members living with obesity also reported living with at least one chronic health condition. Management of their condition was found to improve with weight loss.
- 64% of members with type 2 diabetes reported an improvement in their condition, with 12% reporting they no longer had it
- 40% of members experienced improvements in their mental health, blood pressure and cholesterol
- 32% of members managing a chronic condition reported a reduced reliance on medication and associated costs
- 30% of members reported improvements in chronic pain, osteoporosis, sleep apnoea, and arthritis
Particularly interesting among the findings was the shift in spending away from less healthy choices such as convenience snacks, takeaway, dining out and alcohol with people spending $315 less a month. Instead, people reported spending a bit more on healthier choices like groceries and physical exercise, about $325 a month.
"What's really exciting is seeing how weight loss influences everyday choices, from eating better and getting more active, to investing more on healthier habits," Dr Hendrie said.
"It's a reflection of a lifestyle shift, not just a short-term diet and shows that choosing a healthier lifestyle doesn't have to cost more, it just means spending differently.
"With current estimates putting two in three Australian adults as being overweight or obese, we have so much to gain as a population from supporting Australians to eat well and live fuller lives."
Learn how to get the most out of your health journey with the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet's free weight loss calculator at CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet.
Assets
Summary of analysis, infographic, interview grabs and b-roll of Dr Gilly Hendrie, case studies, and website as well as images of case studies and the the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet website available to download .
