We already know that Australia is facing an obesity epidemic; it has been widely documented in research, in the press and by medical professionals. In 2014-15 an estimated 11.2 million Australian adults were overweight or obese. The problem is more prevalent in males with 70.8% considered overweight or obese, compared with 56.3% of females.
An Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) report has discovered that adults living in regional areas of Australia were significantly more likely to be overweight or obese, when compared to their suburban counterparts. Based on data from Australia’s 31 Primary Health Networks (PHN’s) the report found that those living in country South Australia had the highest rate of obesity in the country.
This rate of overweight or obese adults in country South Australia was found to be an astonishing 73%; that’s almost three in four people. Even the “healthier” areas of the country such as northern Sydney (which had the lowest rate), is still very high at 53% of people being overweight or obese.
“The highest obesity rates were recorded in regional areas” said AIHW spokesman Michael Frost.
Let’s take a look at the most affected areas…
Most affected regional areas:
Country South Australia – 73.3%
Western NSW – 71.7%
Darling Downs & western Moreton (QLD) – 70.1%
Western Victoria – 70.1%
Most affected metro areas:
Nepean Blue Mountains (NSW) – 66.9%
Eastern Melbourne (VIC) – 65.9%
Western Sydney (NSW) – 64.7%
Australian Capital Territory – 63.5%
If you are overweight or obese the first step to take is visiting your local doctor or GP to seek advice on the steps that you can take to achieve a healthier life.
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