Survey Highlights Dietary Shifts in Australia
On May 7, 2026, a survey of over 1,000 Australians conducted by MyFitnessPal revealed significant dietary changes aimed at improving gut health. According to this survey, 72% of participants have modified their diets to enhance their gut health. This trend is not just a fad but a widespread health behaviour among Australians.
In the survey, 63% of respondents indicated that their primary motivation for changing their diet was to improve digestion and reduce bloating. Meanwhile, 61% focused on overall wellbeing. Practical goals also played a role, with bowel regularity influencing 47% of respondents and weight loss affecting 46% of them.
Nutritionist and MyFitnessPal ambassador Michaela Sparrow emphasised, “Australians are embracing gut health as a key part of their overall wellbeing. But this isn’t a passing trend or temporary behaviour – it’s a well-established health pattern that reflects growing awareness of how closely the gut is linked to energy, immunity and long-term health.”
Dietary Adjustments and Challenges
The survey highlights several straightforward habits that Australians are adopting to support gut health. These include adding fibre to every meal, a practice followed by 42% of respondents. Some 31% avoid eating after a certain hour, such as 7 PM, to maintain better digestion. Regular consumption of apples is favored by 30%, while 28% drink warm lemon water daily, and 25% take probiotics.
There is still confusion surrounding fibre intake among Australians. Only 51% of those surveyed believe they consume enough fibre. Nearly half feel they fall short (26%) or are unsure (23%). This ongoing uncertainty suggests that fibre intake remains an area of confusion in everyday nutrition.
Many Australians are also cutting back on negative dietary inputs. The survey found reductions in fast food, sugar, artificial sweeteners, alcohol, and ultra-processed foods. Michaela Sparrow concluded, “Reducing fast food, excess sugar, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and ultra-processed foods is crucial. Australians are thinking just as carefully about what to limit as what to include.”
The survey also revealed that many Australians are motivated by both how they feel day-to-day and their broader health goals. Improvements in digestion and overall wellbeing lead the way, but practical drivers like better bowel regularity and weight management play significant roles in shaping dietary choices.
For Australians interested in monitoring their dietary habits, MyFitnessPal offers tools and resources available on their website and app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
Last updated: 8 May 2026, 7:35 am
