CSIRO study reveals the power of personalised goal setting for weight loss

As Australians set health resolutions for the new year, new research from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has unveiled the power of personalised goal setting for achieving sustained weight loss.

An analysis of over 22,000 members of the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet revealed that while most participants set ambitious weight loss goals (of around 20 kg) for themselves at the start of the program, only three per cent were able to achieve them within 12 weeks.

Importantly, the research from Australia’s national science agency found members who achieved a personalised weight loss goal, generated by an AI tool within the program, experienced the greatest success. 

These customised goals facilitated early weight loss and also led to better longer-term outcomes, with 47% of members reaching their personalised goals by losing between 7 and 11 kg in 12 weeks. 

Emphasising the importance of realistic goal setting when starting and maintaining a successful weight loss journey, CSIRO Research Scientist, Dr Gilly Hendrie stated “we know that early wins create momentum for weight loss, and by setting goals that are personalised and realistic, members gain the motivation to stay the course and reach bigger milestones.”

Stretch goals are best
While an unrealistic goal can be disheartening for weight loss, Dr Hendrie believes that a stretch goal, which is a deliberately challenging target, can help people have greater early success. 

Among CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet members, those that achieved a stretch goal, also personalised by the program, lost substantially more weight at 12 weeks and sustained this success over 12 months. 

According to the research, nine out of 10 members who met the stretch goal lost a clinically significant 55 or more of their starting body weight at 12 months.

The analysis also highlighted that stretch goals were particularly helpful for those with more weight to lose. 

Among members who started in the obese weight status category, 20 per cent achieved a stretch goal, and lost 12 kg within the first 12 weeks; 4 kg more than those that met the personalised goal. 

Dr Hendrie noted “stretch goals give people that little extra push to see what’s possible. These goals are not just about losing weight fast - they’re about creating a rhythm of achievement.

“With the right guidance, members can achieve their weight loss goals and build lasting habits, setting them up for successful longer-term weight management.”  

CSIRO sets Australians up for goal-setting success in 2025
In response to the findings, the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet has introduced My Journey - a new AI tool designed to help accelerate Australians ability to set, track, and achieve personalised weight loss goals with real-time guidance.

Dr Hendrie added “with My Journey, you can trust the program to create goals that are tailored to your unique circumstances, giving you the best chance to succeed.

“Whether you’re starting fresh this January or building on past success, the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet offers the tools and confidence needed to achieve lasting health goals.”

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