In 2004-05, an estimated 7.4 million Australian adults were overweight or obese.
Obesity is associated with having an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, cancer, and other complications. The lowest death rates occur among men and women with a lower body mass index (BMI, body weight in relation to height).
Being overweight in childhood increases the risk of having cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The incidence of type 2 diabetes in Australian children continues to rise, with the increase thought to be almost entirely due to the obesity epidemic.
How will the epidemic affect life expectancy?
International obesity researchers believe obesity reduces average life expectancy by about four to nine months. They warn that if current levels of child and adolescent obesity continue unabated, life expectancy could be shortened by two to five years in the coming decades.
"The tsunami of childhood obesity has not yet hit the shore - it takes many years for complications to develop," a senior researcher said.
"If the clock starts ticking at age 12 or 14, the consequences to public health are potentially disastrous - imagine heart attack or kidney failure becoming a relatively common condition of young adulthood."
How did things get so bad?
The researchers said causes of the problem include:
• Prominence of fast food and soft drink brands and venues
• Food advertising directed at children
• Growing meal serving sizes
• Availability of soft drinks and other unhealthy foods in schools
• Physical education cutbacks
• Children spending more time playing with computers and electronic games and watching television.
The senior researcher said: "To tackle obesity we will need unambiguous political leadership at all levels of government, to make clear that public health has to come before private profit. This means a fundamental shift in the social environment that will support healthful eating and an active lifestyle. While the campaign must be led by government, it will require the active participation of primary care physicians, nutritionists, schools, and parents."
Taking action
Promoting a healthy lifestyle to children is the responsibility of all adults. Children need to know they should move more and eat well to have the best chance of a long and healthy life.
Reference:
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2006. Australia's health 2006. AIHW cat. No. AUS 73. AIHW, Canberra
Olshansky SJ, Passaro DJ, Hershow RC, Layden J, Carnes BA, Brody J, Hayflick L, Butler RN, Allison DB, Ludwig DS (2005) A potential decline in life expectancy in the United States in the 21st century. New England Journal of Medicine 352:1138-1145.
Related reading:
Active Parenting Required
High Risk Inactivity
Prevent Diabetes
Warning on Early Weight Problems
Start Disease Prevention Early
