North Queensland weighs-in above average

North Queensland adults are tipping the scales above average, with new stats showing the region’s adult obesity rates are up to 38 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 Burdekin were 29 per cent higher, Charters Towers 37 per cent higher, Hinchinbrook 38 per cent higher, Mount Isa 31 per cent higher and Townsville 29 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 North Queenslanders to take a look at their lifestyle, and seek support to eat better, move more and help reduce these alarming obesity statistics.”

In Burdekin, only 45 per cent of adults engage in sufficient physical activity, and only 4.9 per cent eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables for a healthy diet.

In Charters Towers, around 53 per cent of adults engage in sufficient physical activity, and only about 5 per cent eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables for a healthy diet.

In Hinchinbrook, less than half of all adults engage in sufficient physical activity and only 4.8 per cent eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables for a healthy diet.

In Mount Isa, around 52 per cent of adults engage in sufficient physical activity and only 4.8 per cent eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables for a healthy diet.

In Townsville, around 53 per cent of adults engage in sufficient physical activity and only 7 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.

Katie Clift, Executive Manager, Media and Spokesperson, Cancer Council Queensland

Ph: (07) 3634 5372 or 0409 001 171

See attachment below

·          4000 adults in Burdekin weigh in as obese or severely obese.

·          9000 adults consumed the recommended daily dose of vegetables, 6750 consumed the recommended two serves of fruit daily.

·          2750 adults in Charters Towers weigh in as obese or severely obese.

·          The number of overweight and obese adults aged 35-54 years was 60 per cent higher than adults aged 18-34 years.

·          3000 adults in Hinchinbrook weigh in as obese or severely obese.

·          600 local adults consumed the recommended daily dose of vegetables.

·          4750 adults in Mount Isa weigh in as obese or severely obese.

·          The number of obese and severely obese adults aged 35-54 years was 85 per cent higher than adults aged 18-34 years.

·          About 48,000 local adults weigh in as overweight – the percentage of overweight males was 45 per cent higher than females.

·          About 39,000 locals are obese or severely obese.

·          15,000 local adults consumed the recommended daily dose of vegetables, females were more than twice as likely as males to eat enough veggies.