Australians are their own worst enemy when it comes to sticking to their diets according to a new CSIRO study.
Examining the weight management habits of more than 2, 300 Australians the CSIRO found 69 per cent of respondents identified themselves as the main barrier to achieving weight loss goals.
A mixture of Australians who were both successful and unsuccessful in achieving their weight loss goals were included in the study. It also involved those planning to lose weight soon and those who were in the middle of their weight loss journey.
The majority of unsuccessful dieters (52 per cent) blamed social activities for their failure, whilst stress, lack of motivation, eating out and limited weight loss were listed as additional barriers. One in five people thought they would fail at achieving their weight loss goal within the next six months. Approximately 31 per cent believed achieving weight loss goals were out of their control.
The study further found that on average respondents want to lose an approximately 11 per cent of their body weight within the next six months (which equates to an average of 9.4kgs).
How can dieters stop self-sabotage?
CSIRO’s Research Director for Nutrition and Health Professor Manny Noakes says that support is critical when it comes to successful weight loss.
“For many Australians losing weight is a challenging experience,” Professor Noakes states.
“In addition to hampering their own efforts, the survey also showed that 40 per cent of dieters stated that no one supports them in their weight loss attempts. Health professionals, friends and family can all play a role in helping dieters eat better and control their weigh,” Professor Noakes said.
To help dieters in their weight loss efforts the CSIRO launched a new online support program on 5 January 2016 called Dietitian Plus. The program aims to offer assistance through online sessions with a dietitian, email and phone support and other healthy eating tools.
