Premium Essay

Obesity in Australia

In: Science

Submitted By MarkZaKing
Words 4387
Pages 18
Obesity is chronic condition where there is an abnormal accumulation of fat causing excess body weight which in turn is detrimental causing health issues and ultimately a lower life expectancy.
The prevalence of obesity in Australia is 20.5%: 19.1% for males and 21.8% for females. The prevalence of being overweight but not obese was 39.1%: 48.2% for males and 30.2% for females. The number of overweight and obese adults increased from 4.6 million in 1989–90 to 5.4 million in 1995, 6.6 million in 2001 and 7.4 million in 2004–05. Approximately 25% of children are overweight or obese, up from an estimated 5% in the 1960s. (ABS, 2007) (Allman, AI. 2008)
In Sydney, 57 per cent of people are overweight or obese, compared to 67 per cent in other areas. This figure is relatively low in comparison to other major cities such as Perth (72 %), South Australia (61.5%) and Victoria (68%). (Markey, A. & Watson, C, 2011).
When looking at the population and demographics of obesity it is seen In 2007-08, higher proportions of males aged 18 years and over were overweight or obese (63%) than were females (48%). (ABS, 2007)
When comparing age groups in general, rates of overweight/obesity are higher in older age groups, although males and females in the oldest age group (75 years and over) had lower rates. Adult male overweight/obesity rates are higher than female rates across all age groups. (ABS, 2007)
In 2004-05, 62% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males and 58% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander females aged 18 years and over were overweight or obese. For both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males and females, the rates for overweight/obesity were higher in older age groups. (ABS, 2007)
Younger people who were overweight or obese were more likely to report daily smoking than their non-overweight counterparts.
Almost one third (30%) of overweight or obese

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

How Does Obesity Affect Australia

...Though many are suffering from malnutrition and anorexia, Australia is becoming a major part of an epidemic that is impacting mass number of people globally, Obesity. In every three Australians, 2 will be obese. Though this is preventable, it is currently damaging the society due to the health and financial impacts. This shocking figure is only expected to increase, unless there are immediate changes applied to the current diet and lifestyle habits of many Australians. Furthermore, as a chain affect, the risk of other diseases increases drastically. Obesity is mainly caused by poor diets, consisting of high calorie and/or over nutritious foods. High fat foods are the main contributor. People, who are obese, will have a BMI reading of 30 or...

Words: 1149 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Globalisation

...Word count : 2082 This assignment serves the purpose of identifying and critically examining being overweight and obesity in the context of urbanization and globalization and the role it plays in the mental and physical health of Australians. Obesity rates among Australians are high and have been increasing at a rate faster than any other country a part of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (Department of Infrastructure and Transport, 2011). More than 60 percent of adults and 25 per cent of children are overweight or obese in Australia and this percentage is projected to rise 15 per cent over the next decade (Department of Infrastructure and Transport, 2011). Following on from an overview of the description of the issue, a discussion of the history of obesity and health will be given, including the role that social policy has played. In past, being overweight was a sign of affluence, fertility, prosperity and art, however now with increased medical and scientific research the health risks are identified, yet obesity is now found in high percentages amongst the socio economically disadvantaged. An analysis of the effectiveness of current policy on health and obesity will be given with particular reference to the United Nations Declaration of human rights which highlights the right of every person to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of themselves and their family, including food (United Nations, n.d). In an ever increasing globalised...

Words: 2540 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Childhood Obesity In Children

...Introduction Obesity in children is a major health issue affecting the Australian population with approximately 1 in 4 children being overweight or obese (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2013). It represents a major health and economic burden costing Australia around $58 billion in 2008 (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2010). When assessing this issue from a public health perceptive, it is important to consider how obesity can affect the children in our society and the health complications obesity can lead to. The aim of this essay is to discuss the impact of obesity in children aged 6-17, in regards to its rising prevalence patterns, health risk behaviours and social determines. Health promotion and educational campaigns along...

Words: 1083 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Child Obesity

...4 4 5 5 6 6 7 Solving the Problem of Obesity – Not So Simple? Obesity is without a doubt a growing problem in Australia. Reported data shows that in 2001 an estimated 2.4 million Australian adults were obese—16% of men and 17% of women aged 18 years and over. A further 4.9 million Australian adults were estimated to be overweight but not obese—42% of men and 25% of women aged 18 years and over. (AIHW 2003). According to the World Health Organisation (2007) these rates are still rising. It is well known that there is a link between overweight and obesity and physical illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, sleep disorders and stroke. Obesity can also affect people psychologically affecting their self esteem, even their ability to socialise or work. Consequently this is a problem that should be addressed comprehensively as soon as possible. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that a thorough sociological approach to the problem of obesity is needed, rather than one-dimensional answers that do not address all the issues affecting the rise of obesity in Australia and throughout the rest of the world. The Biological Point of View Some interesting points of view were raised in a recent article in Sydney’s Sun Herald (Marriner, 2011). This article outlines different approaches to reducing obesity levels in Australia, in particular focusing on the cost to the tax payer due to the treatment of diseases related to obesity. The article does make mention that some...

Words: 2074 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Childhood Obesity

...in particular obesity, has become a major concern in the past few decades (Allison, Bray, & McElory 2006). Australia has always been viewed as a country full of healthy and attractive people, however in the last two decades there has been an increase in diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension among adults and children (Gavin, Dowshen, & Izenberg, 2004). These adverse health conditions are more common in Australian obese children, than children of a healthy weight (Troiano, 1995 as cited in Stunkard & Wadden 2002). The World Health Organisation reports that obesity is a global health concern (Lean & Sattar, 2007). In the past decades obesity in children was not always the centre point of health speculation (Allison et al, 2006). In recent times it has become a serious health concern in Australia (Brand-Miller, Foster-Powell, Colagiuri & Barclay, 2007). A study done by Mossberg (1989) shows there has been a dramatic increase in obesity since the 1980’s. In 1980 Australia had eight percent of children classified as obese (as cited in Mcdermott, 2006). The same study done in year 2000 showed obesity had more than doubled to 18.4% in under 18 year olds (Mcdermott, 2006). Gaven et al, (2004) mention that challenges arise for parents to provide a healthy lifestyle for children in modern day society. Maintaining a healthy weight is about balancing food consumption and energy use through physical activity, Lara (2000) remarks that “obesity is a disorder...

Words: 550 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Learning Journal

...have chosen obesity 1. Describe the issue: Australia today is ranked as one of the fattest nations in the world. (monash university 2012) there are 14 million Australians overweight or obese. Obesity has over taken smoking as the leading cause of premature death and illness in Australia. Obesity has become the single biggest threat to the public health system in Australia. 2. Outline the problem for the individual with this this condition: psychologically being obese can affect your body image and damage self esteem in some cases this can cause social anxiety and depression. The most common physical problems include: * Difficulty breathing * Difficulty walking or running * Increased sweating * Pain in the knees and back * Skin conditions such as acne * Gallstones. Obese people are more likely to have the following medical conditions * High blood pressure * High cholesterol * Heart attack or stroke * Type 2 diabetes * Osteoartheritis * Cancer. 3. Discuss the impact on the community and the health care system: apart from the massive health system cost of obesity experts predict that australia’s obesity rate will keep rising, which will put an even greater strain on our health system. It is estimated by 2025 16.9 million people will be obese (medibank 2011). In 2009 (medibank 2011) the direct health cost associated with obesity related medical conditions were determined to be $1.3 billion. Obesity was associated...

Words: 319 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Books

...overweight and obesity in adults The proportion of Australians who are overweight or obese has increased markedly over the past 20 years. An estimated 2.5 million Australian adults (about 1 in 5 men and 1 in 6 women) are obese and a further 4.9 million are overweight but not obese, based on 2004–2005 data. A greater proportion of premature death and illness in Australia is now caused by excess body fat than by tobacco smoking or high blood pressure.1 Unhealthy weight gain occurs when energy intake from food is greater than energy expended through physical activity. Environmental, cultural, genetic and lifestyle factors all contribute to overweight and obesity. Physical inactivity and overeating are the major modifiable contributors to the problem of obesity. GPs, practice nurses, exercise physiologists, dietitians and other health professionals can help people correct the imbalance between energy intake and expenditure by giving reliable, individually tailored advice about physical activity, sedentary behaviours and long-term patterns of healthy eating. O besity is itself a disease state, and is also a risk factor for many chronic disease conditions. Obesity:2,3 ♥ reduces life expectancy ♥ ♥ increases the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and gout strongly predicts increased risk of type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, gall bladder disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (abdominal obesity carries...

Words: 1813 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Mister

...ARNOTT’S, AUSTRALIA Executive summary: This paper consists of the product launch plan for Arnott snacks Australia for the woman segment as a healthy snack option. Table of Content Executive Summary 1.Introduction 2. Situation analysis 3. Justification for product launch: 4. Market segment(s) to be targeted & the planned positioning strategy 5. Demand estimate 6. Marketing mix strategy 7. Conclusion Reference 1. Introduction This paper is about the product launch by Arnotts which is one of the most reputed company in the Australian snacks market and largest in Asia-pacific region. The company has been serving its client with various snacks options from last 144 years. This is part of day to day lives of millions of people in Australia. The company’s website claims that “It is the icon of the Australia. Millions of Australians have grown up with ARNOTT’S during the past 144 years. This company has an efficient access throughout the Australia.” The strategic approach and innovative products have helped the company in maintaining the financial stability in its target markets. The company employs more than 2600 people at various positions in the form of direct employment. The expenditure on the Australian biscuits and snacks for the company is more than $350 million. Company has invested above $27 million for buying new ovens and equipments at one of its bakery in South Australia. The other investment was done in ARNOTT’S Huntingwood bakery in New South...

Words: 3302 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

Is the Influence of Media on Our Food Choices a Good Thing?

...they eat, nevertheless if we’re frequently exposed to food advertisements every time we read a glossy magazine or watch TV then we may be influenced in what we choose, especially when the advertisement is directed toward children . In this essay I will outline some influence towards one’s food choices and the links between media and children obesity and the effects television food commercials have on children’s food preferences. Food choices are influenced by vast quantity of interrelating factors and theory “it is not solely determined on physiological or nutritional” (Shepherd, 1999, p. 807). Other factor that may influence food choices are biological for example hunger, appetite and taste and then there economic and physical this may be prejudiced by the cost of the food and a individuals income the availably of food choice or education or the skill needed to cook the food. Psychological reason may have a effect on the food we eat for example what type of mood we in. when a we are stress we might eat more or less and it could also come down to ones knowledge of food, is it good for you or not (Newman, Food Identity, 2012). In Australia, children under 18 have an average $31.60 to spend each week and they influence more than 70 per cent of their parents' clothes and fast food purchases (Powell & Zuel, 3 September 1993). Being a father of two young boys, I am faced with the...

Words: 1802 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Obesity

...There is a growing epidemic of childhood obesity in Australia and also worldwide. The prevalence of obesity has doubled to 65% of the world’s population live in countries where obesity and overweight kills more people than underweight does (WHO, 2011). Obese children are more likely to have health problems throughout their childhood, these health issues are associated with long-term health consequences to which the economic costs are enormous (Swinburn, 2008). Obesity in childhood is frequently tracked into adulthood, this is clearly a major contributor for the adulthood epidemic. Interventions and preventions have become key strategies in reducing the impact of childhood obesity. Through national and international health promotions, promoting healthy eating and physical activity in environments that reduce childhood obesity. The rapid increase of childhood obesity not only is it a burden on psychological, physical but also socially (Deckelbaum & Williams, 2005). Health care professionals such as nurses’ play a very important role in the prevention or management of obesity. Nurses’ can research current evidence in health promotions to find the best program for different populations by providing support and management of their illness (Bluford, Sherry & Scanlon, 2007). Throughout this is essay all these points will be discussed in more detail. Obesity and overweight have been defined as an excess or abnormal fat accumulation that may impair health within children and adults...

Words: 2245 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Fat Chance

...introduced into the small Victorian town of Ararat, as a result of the popular television show, ‘The Bigggest Loser’, appointing it the fattest town in Australia (Holwell, 2014). It is an empowering and educational public health obesity prevention campaign that has been implemented in order to change attitudes surrounding nutrition, participation and exercise (Holwell, 2014). The public health program, Active8, is to be deployed in one Local Government Area (LGA) within NSW. The final two candidates in consideration to receive the obesity prevention program are Bankstown LGA and Hornsby LGA. The health and wellbeing of these LGA’s will be compared by assessing available public health data in order to decide in which LGA the Active8 program will be funded and implemented. Table 1 Estimated rate of overweight and obesity in people aged 18+ (2011-2013) Bankstown LGA Hornsby LGA No. Per 100 No. Per 100 Overweight (but not obese) 42,634 34.9 38,092 35.0 Obese 34,396 28.5 21,216 19.3 Note. Reprinted from “Social Health Atlas of Australia: NSW & ACT,” by PHIDU, Adelaide University, 2015, retrieved from: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/phidu/maps-data/graphs/ As can be seen in Table 1, there is almost no difference between the LGA’s in terms of being overweight, however there is a substantial difference in obesity rates, with Bankstown LGA having 13% higher rates than Hornsby LGA. While these statistics are important, they will not be enough on their own to support...

Words: 2958 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Fdn101

...they eat, nevertheless if we’re frequently exposed to food advertisements every time we read a glossy magazine or watch TV then we may be influenced in what we choose, especially when the advertisement is directed toward children . In this essay I will outline some influence towards one’s food choices and the links between media and children obesity and the effects television food commercials have on children’s food preferences. Food choices are influenced by vast quantity of interrelating factors and theory “it is not solely determined on physiological or nutritional” (Shepherd, 1999, p. 807). Other factor that may influence food choices are biological for example hunger, appetite and taste and then there economic and physical this may be prejudiced by the cost of the food and a individuals income the availably of food choice or education or the skill needed to cook the food. Psychological reason may have a effect on the food we eat for example what type of mood we in. when a we are stress we might eat more or less and it could also come down to ones knowledge of food, is it good for you or not (Newman, Food Identity, 2012). In Australia, children under 18 have an average $31.60 to spend each week and they influence more than 70 per...

Words: 1830 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Ron Tandberg: A Primary Source Analysis

...2008, the Beijing Olympics were being held and Australia was catching up rapidly to America’s fastest growing obesity crisis. This illustration attempts to bring attention to the rising obesity rate in Australia by displaying a group of obese figures that are wearing green and gold to portray Australians. These figures are in wheelchairs and rather than running, they are being pushed, suggesting that Australians are becoming more obese. Here in Australia, international fast food giants such as McDonalds, KFC, Pizza Hut and Dominos, which have migrated from America, are dominating supermarket food courts and family meals due to advertisements, time saved from cooking and ease of access, indicating the growth in globalisation for the fast...

Words: 1137 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Unit 3 Health Notes

...care system. | 1. biological: cholesterol levels, age, sex and genetics. high blood pressure-indicates that the heart is already working harder and under pressure, which can lead to stroke and kidney disease.Body weight- excess body weight places greater strain on heart and increases hypertension and cholesterol levels.2. Behavioural: physical activity, tobacco smoking poor nutrition-diets high in saturated fat such as cholesterol can contribute to overweight and obesity. Low intake of fruit and vegetables can contribute to increased snacking on high fat and high sugar foods, increasing obesity, which heightens risk of CVD.Physical enviro: air quality (tobacco smoke) Access to recreational facilities-if lacking access, they might not exercise as much as otherwise might. Heightens risk of CVD and obesity.Social envrio- SES, Early life experiences. | Swap it, don’t stop it WHO- Diabetes Australia QueenslandWHAT- * The program works with Heart Foundation, Cancer Council Queensland and Nutrition Australia in QLD. * The program includes an online 12-week planner, iPhone app and a range of fact sheets and resources to support the community to Shape Up. * The program uses a...

Words: 1720 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Job Sastufastion

...1.- How body mass index has been associated with long work hours? Several studies conducted in Australia, Hong Kong and Finland have found that long working hours are associated with an increased risk of obesity and weight gain both males and females. Especially in Australia where the increase of long working hours per week between 1985 and 2005 from 22 to 30% in males and 9 to 16% in females. the minimum amount work hours is 49 hours a week. Individuals who work worked longer hours are more likely to report shorter sleep as well as a disturbances such as difficulty falling asleep and waking without feeling refresh. Individuals who worked longer hours voluntary sacrifice sleep duration in order to meet job demands as well as family and social commitments which produce stress and lack of relaxation. A cross-sectional studies conducted in Australia, the US, Europe, and Asia has found that short sleep is associated with an increased risk of obesity. The studies that follow up participants for several years demonstrated that short sleep produce weight gain in the participants. 2.- Which imbalance the hormones levels to produce obesity? People with short sleep have low caloric intake and expenditure, given that sleep deprivation often leads to changes in the structure of sleep stage and results in fatigue, daytime sleepiness, somatic and cognitive problems, and low activity levels. Previous studies indicate that sleep deprivation results in changes in levels of several hormones...

Words: 351 - Pages: 2