Obesity is a global public health challenge. If current trends continue, the majority (51%) of the global population will be living with either overweight or obesity by 2035, and 1 in 4 people will be classified as obese. In response to the impacts of obesity, the World Health Organization has set a global target to stop the increases in rates of overweight and obesity, and there have been calls to develop national strategies to address obesity. In line with this, the National Obesity Strategy for Australia aims to “halt the rise and reverse the trend in the prevalence of obesity in adults by 2030”.
This article explores the weight loss journey of Genevieve Curtis, drawing inspiration from her great-grandmother's advice: "Listen first, speak when it matters, and let your actions carry the weight." It also discusses the effectiveness of a commercial weight loss program, the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet Online, and the importance of addressing obesity on a global scale.
Inspiration from Grandma Genevieve
Senator Curtis, inspired by his great-grandmother Genevieve, emphasizes the importance of listening and acting. Grandma Genevieve's advice, “Listen first, speak when it matters, and let your actions carry the weight,” serves as a guiding principle. This approach, while seemingly radical in today's fast-paced, social-media-driven world, underscores the significance of thoughtful action and genuine impact. As Senator Curtis begins his service, he hopes that what is said and done will make a difference for the citizens of the nation.
A Pilgrimage to American Principles
Senator Curtis embarked on a "Think Before I Speak: A Pilgrimage to American Principles" tour, visiting places that speak to the heart and soul of the nation.
Ensign Peak: Pioneer Values and Vision
The journey began with a hike to Ensign Peak, a hill overlooking the Salt Lake Valley. This is where we learn about pioneer values and vision. Just days after arriving in the Salt Lake Valley, pioneer ancestors climbed that very peak. They looked out over a barren desert and imagined a thriving community, a home for faith and family, and a crossroads not just for the West but for the world. Those pioneers didn’t just dream. They came down from that peak and went to work. From that height, the secret to Utah’s success is in the people, known for their kindness, hard work, resilience, independence, and deep and abiding belief in God.
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Arlington National Cemetery: Freedom and Sacrifice
The tour continued to Arlington National Cemetery, where Senator Curtis reflected on the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives to defend freedom. Those honored dead don’t care if future generations have the latest gadgets or a life of ease-but they do care deeply that those generations have souls-souls with the strength forged by doing hard things. Souls that cherish freedom, pursue peace, and carry the moral courage to stand for what’s right.
The Holocaust Museum: Morality and Truth
A visit to the Holocaust Museum served as a stark reminder of the importance of morality and truth. The Holocaust Museum reminds us that truth-like morality-must be studied, not streamed, learned, not assigned, and understood with the weight of history, not just the opinions of the moment.
National Museum of African American History and Culture: Unity and Understanding
The final stop was the National Museum of African American History and Culture, emphasizing the need for unity and understanding. Unity begins with understanding. As long as bigotry, discrimination, and unfair treatment still exist, we cannot claim to be united. To fully heal, somehow, America must learn the delicate dance of leaving things behind and at the same time never forgetting them.
Honest Policy Conversations
Senator Curtis believes that honest policy conversations are vital to the foundation of our future. He focuses on four major priorities that deserve a fresh and honest look from all of us in the Senate.
Energy
It’s time we talk more openly about the importance of clean energy. Consumers are asking for cleaner, more responsible energy choices. At the same time, we need to be realistic about the demands of powering a modern nation. Affordability matters. Reliability matters. And we must protect-not surrender-our energy independence.
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Local Communities
Federal overreach affects daily life in Utah deeply. In some counties, more than 90% of the land is owned and controlled-not by local leaders or communities-but by a distant federal government. Utahns live closest to the land so we know it, we care for it, and we depend on it. We don’t want to be managed; we want to be trusted. We want stewardship, not control.
China
For decades, we’ve operated under the hope that bringing China to the economic table-even as they stole intellectual property, cheated on labor practices, and manipulated trade-would lead them toward democracy. Let’s be honest: it hasn’t. In fact, they’ve moved further away from our values. This isn’t just about trade or technology; it’s about national security, economic freedom, and a commitment to the rule of law.
Debt and Deficit
We-and I mean we, Democrats and Republicans-in this body are not being honest with the American people when we pretend that Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid don’t need reform. And we are all equally dishonest when we weaponize fear-telling seniors that reform means abandonment. It doesn’t. It never has.
The CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet Online Program
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and Digital Wellness have partnered to deliver a commercial, digital version of the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet. The CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet Online program launched in 2014. The CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet Online is a commercial weight loss program managed by Digital Wellness and is available to individuals at a cost of Aus $199 (US $123) for the first 12 weeks and up to Aus $449 (US $278) for 12 months. The diet is a higher-protein, lower-glycemic index dietary pattern, with meal plans consisting of 3 meals and up to 2 snacks each day. The program contains a food group system where portions of food are presented as standard units for each food group. There are 7 food groups: fruit, vegetables, meat and alternatives, breads and cereals, dairy, healthy fats and oils, and indulgences. Meals are designed around a template of standard units, which ensures daily allowances of food groups are met and provides optimal nutrition and energy to promote weight loss. The weight loss program is promoted via media and digital channels, and the Australian public can join the program of their own volition.
Self-monitoring and goal setting are key behavior change techniques used within the program. A weight loss goal is provided during the onboarding process. The food diary can be used to log meals and snacks, either by entering prepopulated recipes from the meal plan or by entering individual foods from a comprehensive food database. The food search function allows members to search a database to view information about their composition. The food tracker allows food units and total energy consumed over the day to be logged and reviewed, with graphical feedback provided comparing intake to daily food unit targets. A large database of recipes is available within the platform, and members can swap recipes in and out of the menu plan to suit their taste preferences, time, and cooking skills. Progress data are presented in a graph and table form. Members are encouraged to engage with the platform regularly, with recommendations provided to weigh in weekly, use the self-monitoring tools daily, and view program tutorials. The platform also has a forum for members to share their stories or discuss relevant issues with other members.
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Effectiveness of the Program
A study examined the longer-term weight loss results of members on the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet Online program. Participants were Australian adults who joined the program between October 2014 and June 2022 and were classified as longer-term members, meaning they completed at least 12 weeks of the program, had baseline and 12-week weight data, and had a paid membership of ≥1 year (N=24,035). Members were mostly female (19,972/24,035, 83.09%), aged 31 to 50 years (9986/24,035, 41.5%) or 51 to 70 years (12,033/24,035, 50.06%), and most members were classified as overweight or obese (23,050/24,035, 95.9%).
Using multiple imputations, the average estimated weight loss was 5.9 (SE 0.0245) kg at 12 weeks, 6.7 (SE 0.0348) kg at 6 months, 6.2 (SE 0.0400) kg at 9 months, and 5.5 (SE 0.0421) kg at 12 months. At 12 months, more than half the members (12,573/24,035, 52.3%) were at least 5% below their starting body weight and 1 in 4 (5865/24,035, 24.4%) were at least 10% below their starting body weight. In the subsample with complete data, the average weight loss at 12 months was 7.8 kg. The most common (961/6602, 14.56% members) weight loss pattern over the first 12 months was 6 months of weight loss, followed by 6 months of weight maintenance. This group had an average weight loss of 10.6 kg at 12 months (11.9% of their starting body weight). In a subgroup of participants who consistently lost weight over the 12-month period (284/6602, 4.3% of the sample), weight loss reached up to 22.3 kg (21.7% of their starting body weight). Weekly platform use was positively associated with total weight loss (r=0.287; P<.001).
Longer-Term Weight Loss Strategies
Studies of weight loss maintainers report some common behavioral strategies associated with longer-term success. Frequent self-monitoring of body weight and food intake, high levels of physical activity, and following a low-fat diet were shared behaviors among successful longer-term weight loss maintainers in the National Weight Control Registry.