New research from the CSIRO has confirmed that losing excess weight can lead to better physical and emotional wellbeing, with the benefits extending well beyond a number on a scale.

The national science organisation investigated the broader benefits of weight loss, surveying 1300 past and present participants in its wellbeing diet program, following well-established links between obesity and adverse health outcomes.

Alex Sala, a participant in the online diet program, lost 13 kilograms over six months. 

“What I needed first of all was to make the conscious change that I can look better and I need to do something about it, it won’t happen magically,” she said.

The study revealed that up to 90 per cent of participants who lost more than 15 kilograms reported improvements in their health, wellbeing, energy levels, and mobility. 

Furthermore, 64 per cent of those with type 2 diabetes experienced an improvement in their condition and 12 per cent no longer had the disease. 

Improvements were also noted in other health markers, with 40 per cent reporting better mental health, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, while 30 per cent experienced reduced chronic pain, osteoporosis, sleep apnoea, and arthritis.

“Just to hear about the changes in their mood, their energy levels, their satisfaction with life just really showed us there was a lot more to weight loss than just the numbers on a scale,” CSIRO lead researcher Dr Gilly Hendrie said.

Ray Hart lost 50 kilograms in 10 months, having previously weighed 141 kilograms. 

“I’m fitter than I’ve ever been, healthier than I’ve ever been,” he said.

“My life and longevity is going to be considerably longer than it was when I was heavy.”

It wasn’t just the health benefits that changed but spending habits too. 

Participants actually spent $10 more per month but were spending their money on more healthy foods, exercise and even clothes rather than takeaways and alcohol.