Australians weighed down by obesity

A recent snapshot of Australia’s health shows that, as a nation, we are not doing enough to combat the epidemic of obesity and overweight that threatens our health and the health of our kids.

The Roy Morgan Research State of the Nation Report, released earlier this month, showed that, while there had been some improvements in smoking, nutrition, activity, and fitness, Australians are still generally overweight.

AMA President, A/Prof Brian Owler, said a worrying statistic from the Report is that the average overweight Australian adult is carrying an extra 16.5 kilograms.

“People who are overweight or obese are at greater risk of developing diabetes or having a heart attack or stroke,” A/Prof Owler said.

“Around two-thirds of all adults are either overweight or obese, which puts enormous stresses on their health and on the health system.

“The AMA is urging people to take control of their weight and their health.

“The first step is to see your family doctor to get the right advice and guidance for a healthier lifestyle.

“Doctors can advise patients on what lifestyle changes they need to make to reduce the risks of disease and poor health.

“It can be as simple as eating sensibly and increasing physical activity.

“It can be tough to make the lifestyle changes needed to lose weight, and keep it off – but it is all worth it with improved quality of life and a longer life.

“Your family doctor can give you the tailored care and advice you need to get you safely started are on a healthier lifestyle, and to keep you on track,” A/Prof Owler said.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW):

• three in five Australian adults are overweight or obese (based on BMI), which equates to more than 12 million people;
• five per cent more adults are obese than in 1995;
• one in four Australian children are overweight or obese;
• over 30 per cent more people living in outer regional and remotes areas are obese compared to people living in major cities; and
• overweight and obesity is only beaten by smoking and high blood pressure as a contributor to the burden of disease.

The AMA has produced videos to promote Family Doctor Week 2014:

• Family Doctors provide targeted health care for patients at all stages of life with expertise, understanding, and distinction https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-n2mEfFdIg
• The wide range of preventative care administered by family doctors ensures quality of life for patients and a sustainable heath system https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_i4c0-lFHdc

This video (mute) has been produced so that general practices can play it in their waiting rooms for the information of their patients:

• General practitioners can help people reduce their risk of illness and disease, such as diabetes, heart attack, obesity, and depression https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J79_1LdJApA

All the videos can be downloaded from the AMA Family Doctor Week website at https://ama.com.au/familydoctorweek2014

AMA Family Doctor Week is sponsored by Australian General Practice Training.

25 July 2014

CONTACT:        John Flannery                     02 6270 5477 / 0419 494 761

                            Sanja Novakovic                 02 6270 5478 / 0427 209 753

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