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Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has introduced a new tool designed to assist Australians in overcoming unhealthy eating habits and improving their weight management efforts. The free, online Healthy Habits Quiz is rooted in psychology and behavioural science, offering participants an assessment of their habit strength, moods, and food temptations. This evaluation provides personalised, science-backed guidance, empowering individuals to build and break habits essential for achieving a healthier lifestyle.
A recent CSIRO study involving nearly 2,000 Australians underscores the significant influence of mood on eating behaviours. According to the findings, three-quarters of participants admitted to eating more when bored, while over half reported increased food intake when feeling depressed.
Conversely, positive emotions often had the opposite effect, with nearly half of the respondents eating less when they were happy. Gender differences also emerged, with females more likely to engage in emotional eating—24 per cent of women used food to lift their mood compared to 16 per cent of men.
The analysis also revealed critical distinctions between those who successfully manage their weight and individuals in the earlier stages of their weight loss journey. Successful dieters were less likely to use food as a coping mechanism for negative emotions, demonstrated greater awareness of their eating habits, and were more adept at recognising when their eating behaviours were veering off track. In contrast, those in the initial stages of weight loss exhibited stronger, more ingrained eating habits, which made these habits more challenging to break.
Dr Naomi Kakoschke, a CSIRO Research Scientist who led the analysis, highlighted the intricate relationship between eating behaviours and weight management.
“We know that healthy habits support healthy weight loss, and unhealthy habits typically lead to weight gain,” Dr Kakoschke explained. “By becoming more aware of their habits through the Healthy Habits Quiz, Australians can kickstart a positive change to their habits and their health.”
The survey also uncovered the foods that most tempt Australians, posing challenges to weight management when consumed excessively. Chocolate emerged as the top tempting food, with 72%of participants admitting to the temptation, followed by cheese at 61%and bread rolls at 52%. Notably, gender differences were evident in food temptations as well. Males were more likely to be tempted by beer and processed meats, while females showed a higher temptation for savoury crackers, cakes, and muffins.
Participants in the survey also shared their top strategies for maintaining healthy habits. The most effective approaches included tracking and monitoring food intake, building and seeking support and accountability from social networks, and regularly monitoring progress. Additionally, participants identified positive self-talk, affirmations, and rewards and recognition as crucial drivers in establishing and sustaining healthier habits.
Dr Kakoschke emphasised that building healthy habits requires more than just good intentions. “The data highlights that creating and maintaining healthy habits requires support to make small, incremental changes that can be sustained over the long term.” noted.
Dr Kakoschke also pointed out that leveraging a science-backed, structured programme like the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet could offer Australians the tools they need to practice healthy habits. This programme provides essential resources, including meal plans, food trackers, and a supportive community network, which can help individuals make steady progress towards better health.
Ultimately, CSIRO’s Healthy Habits Quiz is more than just a tool for evaluating current behaviours – it represents a crucial first step towards long-term, sustainable health improvements. By understanding and addressing the psychological and emotional factors that influence eating habits, Australians can pave the way for more successful weight management and healthier lifestyles.
