Report Puts Local Focus On Obesity Problem, Australia

Main Category: Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
Article Date: 05 Mar 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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The AMA has acknowledged a report commissioned by the West Australian Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI) that highlights the devastating impact that obesity is having on the lives of Australians.

The report suggests if you are an obese Australian at age 20, you will lose around four years life expectancy. In addition, with the current obesity trends in Australian children, all children will have a life expectancy decreased by two years.

AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, said the PHAI report is important because it is Australian research into the Australian obesity problem.

"Government action is needed to combat the obesity crisis," Dr Capolingua said.

"For the first time, we are now looking at generations of Australians who will have a shorter life expectancy than their parents."

According to recent Australian surveys, almost a quarter of Australian children and adolescents are overweight, and approximately one in four of these is obese.

It's estimated 9,500 premature deaths occur annually in Australia as a result of diseases and conditions attributable to excess weight. Obesity is now challenging smoking as the major cause of preventable death in Australia.

Dr Capolingua said prevention was the best way to tackle rising obesity rates, but strong Government action and public health campaigns were needed to support any preventative measures.

"Less than two per cent of health spending by all Australian governments goes to prevention," Dr Capolingua said.

"That needs to be dramatically increased if we are to deal with the epidemics that put our children at risk.

"Combating obesity will need a whole-of-society approach, with the participation of governments, non-government organisations, and the broader community.

"Together we need specific national goals for preventing and reducing obesity to ensure that future generations of Australians enjoy a healthier and longer life."

Australian Medical Association

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