Bupa has announced that almost one-third of its customers taking part in a healthy weight trial it is supporting have reported a drop in their starting weight of five per cent or more.
The 'Bupa Healthy Weight Trial Program' provided participants with 12-months access to the CSIRO’s Total Wellbeing Diet online program with at least 10 health coaching phone calls with an accredited dietitian.
Bupa said meal plans and advice were personalised to meet participants’ specific lifestyle requirements and health diagnostics.
"The majority of participants reported an increased fruit and vegetable consumption, increased physical activity and improved knowledge and confidence to manage their weight in the long-term," said Bupa in a statement.
Gael Filippini, Bupa director of Healthcare Management, said, “We know how important it is to have someone to talk through ideas and challenges when embarking on a weight-loss journey. Particularly during this stressful time where research suggests emotional wellbeing suffers along with diet.
"The CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet is an online program where our participants accessed all the evidence-based tools and resources that they need 24/7, focusing on diet, exercise and emotional wellbeing.
"This is complemented by the fact that participants did not need to rely on face-to-face consultations, meaning their access to advice and support was not interrupted by COVID-19. Though operating remotely, our telehealth dietitians were ever-present to support each individual in achieving a healthy weight.”
Around two-thirds of Australian adults are considered overweight or obese. The CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet has been developed to promote behavioural and attitudinal changes.
“Our dietitians always stress that it’s not just about achieving a healthy weight, it’s also about living a healthy lifestyle. This means having a positive relationship with food, exercise without the feeling of being bogged down by unrealistic expectations or feeling weight-loss surgery is the only option,” said Ms Filippini.