In understanding food choices and eating behaviours, researchers can develop effective diet and lifestyle strategies.

Consumer Behaviour

This area of science seeks to improve health and wellbeing outcomes in the Australian population through sustained changes in eating behaviours.

• 10 January 2011 | Updated 14 October 2011

• Defining the Problem
• Our Approach
• Research Outcomes 

Research areas:

Defining the Problem

Australia faces significant public health challenges with increasing levels of obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes, conditions that can be intrinsically linked to poor dietary and lifestyle choices. If these trends continue, we face the distinct possibility that the next generation will live a shorter lifespan than their parents.

Our Approach

CSIRO research will investigate the drivers of food consumption to develop a better understanding of the relationship between psychology, physiology and the food choices made by consumers.

Our research into sensory and satiating properties will assist in the development of healthy foods that meet with consumer taste preferences and satisfy hunger.

Nutritional epidemiology will allow us to discover the cues that people and populations use to make food choices. Using the latest technologies, we will examine patterns of consumption that encompasses aspects such as purchase decisions, nutritional knowledge, eating situations and lifestyle factors. This research will help to identify opportunities for behavioural change, leading to healthier food and lifestyle choices.

We will conduct further research into the development of diet and physical activity interventions, using new tools in the delivery of effective personalised strategies.

A combination of nutritional and psychological expertise, coupled with world-class clinical facilities, ensures that we have the capability to deliver strategies based on factual, rigorous science.

Research Outcomes

Our research has made a real difference in the community, examples include:

• providing scientifically proven programs for healthier nutrition and more active lifestyles. The CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet book has helped more half a million Australians lose weight, with an average weight loss of 6.1 kg per user.
• investigating consumer attitudes to new food and agricultural technologies and associated food products, such as plant-derived omega 3 fatty acids.
• in partnership with the University of South Australia and Flinders University, we conducted the most comprehensive survey ever of Australian children’s diet and activity habits. The survey results provided the information needed by the government and other organisations in the development of good nutrition and healthy lifestyle programs.

Current research projects include:

• the development of diet and lifestyle intervention programs that are tailored for sustained behavioural change and take into account the taste sensitivity and sensory preferences of different consumers.
• establishing a range of data sources for the effective measurement and monitoring of dietary trends over time and assessing progress towards national goals and targets.
• utilising computer and smartphone-based platforms to implement diet and lifestyle intervention programs, which will assist in broader adoption by the Australian community.

Read more about CSIRO Food and Nutritional Sciences.