Forget what you’ve heard about inevitable weight-loss plateaus. A major new study out of Australia is flipping that long-held belief on its head—and the findings could change how you approach fat loss for good.

Researchers from CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, have just published a comprehensive analysis of over 60,000 participants who followed the Total Wellbeing Diet, a high-protein, low-GI eating plan developed with sustainable weight loss in mind.

Their key finding? Most people who stayed committed to the diet continued losing weight steadily beyond the so-called plateau phase—with some dropping serious pounds well into their second year.

“This research shows that the more consistently people stick to the program, the more weight they lose,” says CSIRO research scientist Dr. Gilly Hendrie. “There is no evidence of an unavoidable plateau.”

The Myth of the Weight Loss Plateau

For years, fitness circles and even some medical professionals have claimed that weight loss naturally slows or stalls after the first few months of dieting. That “plateau” was often seen as a biological inevitability.

But this new research—backed by real-world data from tens of thousands of users—found no evidence of that trend when people remained consistent.

Participants who followed the Total Wellbeing Diet and stuck with it for 12 months lost an average of 7.6kg (around 17 lbs). Those who kept going for 24 months? They dropped an average of 15.3kg (about 34 lbs).

That’s double the weight loss, just by staying consistent.

Why the Diet Works

The Total Wellbeing Diet focuses on:

• High protein intake to preserve lean muscle and promote satiety
• Low glycemic index (GI) foods to stabilize blood sugar and reduce cravings
• Flexible, evidence-based structure, helping users stay engaged long-term

The program also includes digital tools like meal plans, tracking, and online support—which researchers believe played a major role in participants’ ongoing success.

“It shows that long-term weight loss is achievable,” says Hendrie. “But it requires long-term commitment.” So there is now mythical weight loss plateau, just waning motivation.

What This Means for You

If you’re cutting weight and dreading the infamous plateau, this study offers real motivation: The results don’t stop—you do. The key? Stick to a sustainable plan, stay accountable, and don’t quit when the scale slows down.

Bottom line: A weight loss plateau isn’t inevitable. Persistence pays off. Choose a diet that fits your life, track your progress, and trust the process.