The science is important for residents of south-eastern NSW who, according to data released by Kidney Health Australia in 2017, were heavier than the national average. The rate of those considered overweight or obese had hit 69 per cent, compared to a national average of 63 percent.

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Now, according to a new CSIRO report, Gut Health and Weight Loss, people who are overweight or obese are more likely to experience gut health symptoms from poor dietary habits, which can negatively alter bacteria in the gut called our microbiota.

The report was released on January 3, 2019, in time for people to prepare for a healthier New Year.

“Fifty per cent of Australians experience digestive upsets and one in seven experience distressing gut symptoms that can affect their quality of life,” CSIRO Research Scientist and report co-author Dr Gilly Hendrie said.

“Including plenty of fibre from a diverse range of whole foods is vital for a healthy gut.

“People who are overweight or obese generally have less than the recommended amount of fibre in their diet. But they may actually need to eat much more fibre, especially readily fermentable types, to overcome the adverse effects of an unhealthy diet.”

The symptoms of an unhealthy gut can include heartburn, excessive fullness, excessive burping, nausea, rumbling stomach noises, bloating, abdominal pain, abnormal bowel habits and excessive wind.

“Although most of us know that fibre helps improve gut health, the research shows 83 per cent of Australians aren’t getting enough fibre in their diet and a high proportion of their fibre intake is coming from junk food," Dr Hendrie said.

“However, simply eating more fibre won’t help you lose weight if the rest of your diet is high in energy-dense, low-nutrient foods that are highly processed.”

The report stated that eating a diverse range of fibres from wholefood sources such as wholegrain cereals, legumes, vegetables and fruit could also help improve overall health by lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

“If you’re looking to lose weight, listening to your gut and eating a balanced diet high in fibre and protein will help relieve your gut symptoms and reduce your waistline without feeling ravenously hungry,” Dr Hendrie added.

To help Australians understand their gut health and how it influences weight and other symptoms, the CSIRO has created a free gut health quiz.

Find the free Gut Health Check for Weight Loss quiz visit www.totalwellbeingdiet.com