CSIRO Reveals Breakthrough Strategies in Tailored Goal Setting for Effective Weight Loss

7 January 2025
News Release

Recent findings from CSIRO, Australia’s national scientific organization, have revealed the influence of personalized goal setting on achieving sustainable weight reduction as Australians establish health goals for the new year.

An investigation involving more than 22,000 participants of the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet indicated that while many individuals set lofty weight loss objectives (approximately 20 kg) at the beginning of the program, merely three percent managed to attain these within 12 weeks.

Significantly, the research indicated that participants who attained a personalized weight loss target, devised by an AI tool included in the program, saw the most remarkable success.

These tailored objectives encouraged initial weight loss and also yielded improved long-term results, with 47 percent of participants reaching their customized goals by shedding between 7 and 11 kg in 12 weeks.

CSIRO Research Scientist, Dr. Gilly Hendrie, highlighted the significance of setting realistic goals when embarking on and continuing a fruitful weight loss journey.

“We understand that early victories generate momentum for weight loss, and by establishing objectives that are personalized and achievable, participants gain the motivation to persist and accomplish larger goals,” remarked Dr. Hendrie.

Stretch goals yield optimal results

While an unattainable objective can be discouraging for weight loss, a stretch goal, which is an intentionally challenging target, can facilitate heightened early success.

Among CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet participants, individuals who reached a stretch goal, also customized by the program, lost significantly more weight at the 12-week mark and maintained this success over a 12-month period.

The research revealed that nine out of ten participants who accomplished the stretch goal lost a clinically significant 5 percent or more of their initial body weight after 12 months.

The analysis also underscored that stretch goals were especially beneficial for those with greater weight loss needs.

Among participants who commenced in the obese weight status category, 20 percent achieved a stretch goal, losing 12 kg within the first 12 weeks; 4 kg more compared to those achieving the personalized target.

“Stretch goals provide individuals with that little extra impetus to discover what is achievable. These objectives are not solely focused on rapid weight loss – they are about cultivating a rhythm of accomplishment,” Dr. Hendrie stated.

“With appropriate support, participants can meet their weight reduction targets and develop enduring habits, positioning them for effective long-term weight management.”

CSIRO empowers Australians for goal-setting success in 2025

In light of these findings, the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet has unveiled My Journey—an innovative AI tool designed to enhance Australians’ capacity to set, monitor, and achieve personalized weight loss goals with immediate guidance.

“With My Journey, you can rely on the program to develop objectives tailored to your specific needs, resulting in a higher probability of success,” Dr. Hendrie stated.

“Whether you are beginning anew this January or building on previous successes, the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet provides the resources and assurances necessary to achieve sustainable health goals.”

Discover more about the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet and My Journey.