Australian Obesity Rates - Taking Care Of Your Health

Australians recently got the unhappy news that their obesity rate has climbed significantly over the past 30 years, making them among the top nations for tipping the scales in a dangerously unhealthy way. The problem of obesity is getting worldwide attention lately, as study after study shows the disturbing health trend continuing to spread across the globe.

A Worldwide Problem

The most recent study from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, an independent global health research facility. The study looks at obesity rates in both developing and developed countries around the world between the years of 1980 to 2013. The study notes obesity rate increase across the board, with women faring worse than men in the rising weight levels.

Australia's Dubious Distinction

The study shows obesity rates in Australia and New Zealand have risen more than 80 percent over the past 30 years. The study indicates that one in three Australians is now obese. That’s up to 5.2 million Australians in jeopardy of weight-related medical problems, sparking fears that the trend may be irreversible and may foreshadow a major health crisis for the country in future years. The study puts Australia just behind the United States in the rate of obesity, an unhappy distinctions that the nation’s health experts are resolving to correct.

Examining the Causes

The steep rise in obesity rates, not only in Australia but also worldwide, indicates that the causes are endemic and widespread. As nations become wealthier, the consumption of processed food, junk food and junk beverages becomes ubiquitous. Rob Moody, Professor of Public Health at Melbourne University, notes that the country most famous athletes are essentially ambassadors for junk food and junk drinks. This prevalence can only be remedied by a comprehensive public campaign to educate the public and change behavior, much like the campaign against tobacco. In addition, increased computer use has reduced the amount of exercise that both children and adults have traditionally gotten in their daily lives. Reliance on automobiles instead of walking or bicycling has also reduced the amount of daily exercise that the average Australian receives.

Finding Solutions

Health experts feel that public education will have a critical role in halting this trend toward rising obesity rates. Many people have no knowledge of caloric rates and the increased rate of diabetes in those who are overweight. Children, in particular, are drawn to snack foods with high fructose content and empty calories. Public campaigns to effectively speak to children about consuming health foods and engaging in outdoor activities can go a long way toward changing behavioral patterns.

Additional Methods for Weight Loss

Some weight management methods are available in other areas of the world that are not options for Australians. For example, dieters can take advantage of a number of weight loss drugs in America that are not on the market in Australia. Bariatric surgery, which has had significant successes in reducing both weigh and rates of diabetes is rarely done in Australia as a weight loss measure.

Increasing public awareness, encouraging lifestyle changes and improving overall understanding about weight management can go a long way toward altering individual habits and reducing the nation’s overall obesity rate.

Sources

http://www.healthdata.org/

http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life/obesity-rates-soar-in-australia-a-global-survey-reveals-20140528-394s4.html

http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/program/asia-pacific/obesity-rates-soaring-in-australia-global-report/1318650