-
Essay / The obesity epidemic among Australian adults
Obesity is an epidemic in Australia, with Australia ranked as the fifth most obese country, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OCED). ). Obesity is defined as excessive accumulation of fat around the body caused by environmental and genetic factors and is reversible. In 2014-15, almost two thirds (63%) of the Australian population aged 18 or over were overweight or obese, but only 28% of the population was obese. Obesity is easily preventable/reversible with knowledge and education on healthy lifestyle choices. This report will assess the obesity epidemic among Australian adults and propose a target to reduce the growing impact of obesity on the Australian population. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Obesity is linked to many serious health outcomes across Australia, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders and some cancers. These health consequences are linked to subsequent disabilities and premature deaths. Obesity results from a higher energy intake than energy expenditure, meaning a person eats and drinks more calories than they burn through exercise. Australians are recommended to maintain a healthy weight and follow a diet consistent with the Australian Dietary Guidelines. This diet recommends limited consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods (which contain saturated fats, added sugars, added salt, and alcohol). This diet consists of whole grains, vegetables and legumes/beans, fruits, some lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds, as well as milk, yogurt and of cheese. Since 1995, the rate of obesity among Australian adults has increased. by 49%. The way Australians live has transformed significantly over the years, with Australian adults spending more time sitting and lying down (ABS 2013, 2016). Between 2014 and 2015, 4.9 million (27.9%) Australian adults were obese. Obesity rates among men and women were similar throughout this period, with men estimated at 28.4% and women at 27.4%. Australians aged 18 to 24 had the lowest estimated obesity rate at 17.1%, compared to Australians aged 55 to 64 (35.9%) and 45 to 54 (33%). ), with obesity rates twice as high. Primary Health Networks (PHNs) across Australia report obesity ranges from 16% in central and eastern Sydney, compared to 38.1% in the South African country. This shows that regional areas of PHN have higher rates of obesity and are at greater risk than metropolitan areas of PHN. Between 2014-2015, 34.7% of adults living in PHN regional areas had a higher obesity rate than adults living in PHN metropolitan areas, with an obesity rate of 24.3%. On the other hand, Australian men are more likely to be overweight between the ages of 35 and 44 and obese between the ages of 65 and 74. Compared to women who are more likely to be overweight between the ages of 75 and 84 and to be obese between the ages of 55 and 64. Major health implications for Australian adults have been linked to obesity. These include: cardiovascular disease (including heart disease and stroke), type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis and certain cancers (endometrium, breast and colon). All of these conditions cause premature death and disability..