Central Queensland adults are tipping the scales above average, with new stats showing the region’s adult obesity rates are up to 36 per cent higher than the overall Queensland rate.
The State Government has released findings from the Self-reported health status 2011-12, categorised by local government area*.
The report found adult obesity rates in Banana were 24 per cent higher, Gladstone 36 per cent higher, Isaac 39 per cent higher and Rockhampton 25 per cent higher than in Queensland overall.
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said the stats were shocking, and more needed to be done to help locals pursue healthier lifestyles.
“Being overweight or obese is linked to a range of chronic health problems, including some cancers,” Ms Clift said.
“While obesity is caused by a range of complex factors, we know that eating a healthy diet and limiting sugary, fatty and salty food and drinks is important to maintain a healthy weight.
“Regional and remote areas of Queensland tend to have higher rates of obesity, putting locals at a far higher risk of ill health and premature death than their city counterparts.
“We’re urging all Central Queenslanders to take a look at their lifestyle, and seek support to eat better, move more and help reduce these alarming obesity statistics.”
In Banana, around 55 per cent of adults engage in sufficient physical activity, and only 9.9 per cent eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables for a healthy diet.
In Isaac, around 55 per cent of adults engage in sufficient physical activity, and only about 6 per cent eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables for a healthy diet.
In Rockhampton, less than half the adult population engage in sufficient physical activity and only 8.4 per cent eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables for a healthy diet.
In Gladstone, less than half the adult population engage in sufficient physical activity and only 8 per cent eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables for a healthy diet.
Queensland has the highest rate of adult obesity in Australia – 10 per cent higher than the national rate*.
At least one-third of all cancers are preventable through lifestyle adjustments including eating a healthy diet, being physically active, reducing alcohol intake and maintaining a healthy weight.
Queenslanders are invited to join the QUEST to live a healthier life at quest.org.au.
More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available at www.cancerqld.org.au or via Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.
For more information or interviews, please contact:
Katie Clift, Executive Manager, Media and Spokesperson, Cancer Council Queensland
Ph: (07) 3634 5372 or 0409 001 171
*Self reported health status 2011-12: Health indicators: chronic disease and behavioural risk factors – Local government areas.
*Measured obesity in Queensland, 2011-12.
Key points for Central Queensland (Self reported health status 2011-12):
BANANA Local Government Area
· The number of obese and severely obese adults aged 55 years and older was more than twice as high as adults aged 18-34 years.
· 1250 local adults consumed the recommended daily dose of vegetables (five serves), females were more than three times as likely as males to eat enough veggies.
GLADSTONE Local Government Area
· 14,000 adults in Gladstone weigh in as obese or severely obese.
· 4500 adults consumed the recommended daily dose of vegetables, 21,000 adults consumed the recommended daily dose of fruit (two serves).
ISAAC Local Government Area
· The percentage of obese and severely obese males was 62 per cent higher than females.
· The number of obese and severely obese adults aged 35-54 years was 97 per cent higher than adults aged 18-34 years.
· Only 1500 local adults consumed the recommended daily dose of vegetables, females were more than three times as likely as males to eat enough veggies.
ROCKHAMPTONLocal Government Area
· The number of overweight and obese adults aged 55 years and older was 46 per cent higher than adults aged 18-34 years.
· The number of overweight and obese adults aged 35-54 years was 55 per cent higher than adults aged 18-34 years.
· 10,000 local adults consumed the recommended daily dose of vegetables, females were more than twice as likely as males to eat enough veggies.