The CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet Book 1: sociodemographic differences and impact on weight loss and well-being in Australia

Abstract

<h4>Objective</h4>The CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet (TWD) publication is an evidence-based weight management strategy utilising a structured higher protein diet as part of a nutritionally balanced lifestyle programme. Despite its popularity, the impact of TWD on weight status, weight loss and food choices of Australians was unknown.<h4>Design</h4>An independent representative survey was conducted in 2006. Sociodemographic differences in awareness, use of TWD and the impact on weight status and well-being were investigated via computer-aided telephone interviews and web-based surveys.<h4>Setting</h4>Australia.<h4>Subjects</h4>A total of 5026 men and women aged 18-60 years.<h4>Results</h4>Consumers were highly aware of TWD (66 %) with personal use reported by 7·5 % of the total sample (n 5026). An additional 2·5 % (126 people) were members of a household that used TWD. In all, 80 % of TWD purchasers actively used the eating plan with approximately 3·8 % losing an average self-reported weight loss of 5·7 kg (sd = 1·72 kg; range = 1-13 kg). Results showed that awareness was greatest among women (73·79 % v. 58·27 %), those over 50 years of age (69·39 % v. 62·88 %) with no children in the household (69·00 % v. 64·88 %), tertiary educated people (72·58 % v. 63·22 %) and those with more previous weight loss attempts (79·66 % v. 70·24 %). Logistic regression was unable to predict an identifiable sociodemographic profile of TWD users.<h4>Conclusions</h4>The present study shows widespread uptake of TWD in Australia with few sociodemographic differences. Self-reported increased awareness of nutrition and well-being as well as weight loss indicates that TWD has been a successful delivery mechanism for lifestyle advice.