CSIRO has developed an AI weight loss coach to administer its data-driven diet. 

The CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet has unveiled a new artificial intelligence (AI) weight loss coach, named ‘Hope’, which uses psychological techniques to prompt and motivate members throughout their weight loss journey.

It follows research that uncovered the three critical behaviours which, when put into practice regularly, have the biggest impact for people looking to get healthier and achieve their weight loss goals. 

The analysis of nearly 11,000 CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet members revealed that those who weighed in regularly, followed the menu plan and tracked their food intake the most achieved a weight loss of 8.1 per cent of their starting body weight in 12 weeks, or an average of 7.5kgs. 

Those who engaged in these behaviours the least achieved a 3.3 per cent drop in their weight (3.1kgs) – a difference of nearly 4.5kgs between the two groups. 

Hope is designed to help Australians embrace these important behaviours and achieve their weight loss goals. 

Shaped by over 100 million points of CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet member data, Hope predicts appropriate weight loss targets, tracks progress and provides timely feedback, using state-of-the-art machine learning, to help members thrive on the 12-week program.  

CSIRO Total Wellbeing Dietitian Pennie McCoy said the launch of Hope came at the perfect time for those looking to set their health goals for the year. 

“Whether you've overindulged during the holiday season, or you’re looking to kickstart your health goals this January, Hope equips you with the real-time insights, personalised support and encouragement to help you to put your best foot forward, and achieve your weight loss goals,” Ms McCoy said.

“In designing Hope, the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet continues to prove how the latest science can transform health outcomes, with an innovation that uses data from Australians, for Australians, to achieve enhanced weight loss success throughout the entire program." 

While high diligence across all three behaviours resulted in the greatest weight loss of 8.1 per cent, it was also found that individuals displaying high diligence across two of the three behaviours were still able to achieve above average weight loss, losing 7.5 per cent of their starting body weight. 

“Many people feel they have to be really strict to see results. This pressure can lead to unrealistic expectations so it’s really exciting to see in the research findings that there is room for flexibility in a sustainable weight loss journey,” Ms McCoy said. 

“With the additional support of Hope, Australians can feel assured that they are embarking on a weight loss journey that is not only proven but also fits into their lifestyle.”

More details and access to the program are available here.