Recent findings have highlighted a significant disparity between Australians’ New Year resolutions and their achievements, with a substantial portion abandoning their health and fitness goals early in the year. Research conducted by MyFitnessPal, a top nutrition and food tracking app, reveals that 43% of Australians drop their New Year’s resolutions within the first week, and 71% discard them by the end of January.
Despite the enthusiasm with which many Australians set out, the data shows more than a third (34%) make resolutions annually, yet the repetition of these resolutions yearly by 61% signifies a recurring pattern of unfulfilled intentions. Specifically, in 2025, about 62% of Australians plan to focus on weight loss, setting an ambitious average target of 10.8 kilograms.
Dr. Gina Cleo, a habit researcher and dietitian, offered insights into this trend. She remarked, “While it’s great that Australians are starting the New Year with a healthy intention in mind, our research indicates that most New Year’s resolutions do not stick, being often repeated year after year.”
Dr. Gina advocates for a more sustainable approach to health goals. She argues that improvements to lifestyle should accommodate daily uncertainties rather than solely striving for rigid objectives.
An interesting aspect of the research was the secrecy surrounding personal resolutions, with 35% of Australians preferring to keep their goals private to avoid judgement. This discretion is chosen by three quarters of that group.
Michaela Sparrow, a nutritionist and ambassador for MyFitnessPal, suggests a balanced approach to health goals is more practical. She recommends maintaining focus 80% of the time on goal-directed actions, while allowing a 20% margin to enjoy life’s pleasures, which supports motivation and long-term adherence.
Michaela further stresses the importance of utilising resources like MyFitnessPal for daily nutrition tracking as a strategic move towards sustainable health practices. She points out, “Knowledge is power. By using apps like MyFitnessPal to monitor daily food intake, individuals can make more informed choices, track their progress and create lasting health routines.”
The app has established itself as a leader in the field since its inception in 2005, supporting nearly one million people annually across 120 countries in achieving their nutrition and fitness goals. With a vast database of over 19 million foods and comprehensive tracking capabilities linking to various fitness partners, MyFitnessPal continues to be an instrumental tool for those seeking to maintain or improve their health.
To explore more about MyFitnessPal check out www.myfitnesspal.com or download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
