Weight loss has long been top of our New Year wish lists, with 82% of women and non-binary people having set resolutions to change their bodies. A recent survey conducted by Australian health and wellness app Kic, with over 2,000 participants,  uncovers the pressures and impacts behind our behaviour: 

• 4 in 5 have made resolutions to lose weight or change their bodies.
• 79% are influenced by personal insecurities, while 68% cite comparison to others as a driving factor.
• Social media (33%) and societal trends (38%) significantly shape these goals.
• 95% of respondents admit to struggling to achieve their resolutions, leaving them feeling disappointed (73%), guilty (42%), or anxious (30%).

The harmful habits adopted in pursuit of these goals – like calorie counting (52%), restrictive diets (46%), and cutting out food groups (38%) – further perpetuate an unhealthy cycle. The majority measured success by their weight (73%) or appearance in before-and-after photos (55%), which only reinforces unrealistic ideals.

Co-founders of Kic, Laura Henshaw and Steph Claire Smith, are calling for an end to the pressure surrounding New Year’s resolutions. Instead, they’re encouraging Australians to focus on sustainable, feel-good habits that truly last.

CEO Laura Henshaw explains: “This data is heartbreaking but not surprising. It reflects how deeply societal pressures and insecurities shape our ideals. With 95% of us struggling to achieve body-image-driven resolutions, it’s proof that society is setting us up to fail. At Kic, we believe in empowering people to build habits that fit within their unique lives – without guilt or unrealistic expectations. If your goal isn’t something you can comfortably (and happily) maintain year-round, it’s worth revisiting. Small, sustainable changes are the key to lasting health and happiness.”

Kic’s sustainable approach to wellness supports people beyond “National Quitters’ Day” on January 10th 2025 – the second Friday of January is the day most resolutions are abandoned. With no calorie counting, weigh-ins, or pressure to transform, Kic’s Feel-Good Challenge
helps Australians start 2025 with the right mindset. Starting Monday, January 6th, the challenge is designed to promote sustainable, healthy habits that fit into any lifestyle:

• 4 week Strength, Pilates, or HIIT challenge 
• 3 workouts per week + 1 mindful practice
• Tailored for building strength, finding balance, and feeling good

Kic’s biggest sale of the year

From January 1st to January 12th, new and returning community members can save up to 40% on Kic subscriptions:

• 40% off annual: Was $134.99, now $79.99 for your first year. 
• 30% off quarterly: Was $69.99 now $48.99 for your first quarter. 

Since its launch in 2015, Kic has been committed to challenging toxic diet culture and redefining wellness. With thousands of on-demand workouts, guided meditations, and healthy recipes that actually taste good, Kic is the feel-good fitness app helping Australians focus on the smile, not the scales.