Cancer Council Queensland is calling on Queenslanders to practice more mindful eating to help curb rising rates of obesity and overweight.
The call follows new research revealing many Queenslanders eat mindlessly, endangering their health.
Nearly two-thirds of Queenslanders eat dinner in front of the TV at least five times a week, one in three Queenslanders routinely snack while watching TV or using the internet, and many report not paying attention to what they eat.
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said mindless eating could lead to weight gain, increasing the risk of a range of chronic diseases.
“The statistics show us mindless eating leads to overeating,” Ms Clift said.
“We need to help Queenslanders be aware of where they are eating, what they’re eating and what they’re doing while they eat.
“Habits have a strong influence on diet – nearly 75 per cent of Queenslanders surveyed agreed a good routine encourages eating healthy foods.
“To maintain a healthy diet and healthy weight, it’s imperative we pay more attention to what we eat and when, and how full we are.
“Cut down the screen time, sit down to dinner with family or friends, be aware of portion sizes, and enjoy and savour your meals.
“Overeating can lead to overweight and obesity, which increases the risk of a range of chronic diseases including some cancers.”
Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young backed the Cancer Council’s call, based on the findings of social research commissioned by Queensland Health and the Australian National Preventive Health Agency (ANPHA).
“The Queensland data was collected to inform the Healthier. Happier. campaign and future obesity prevention programs,” Dr Young said.
“Healthier. Happier. is about encouraging all Queenslanders, no matter their size or situation, to lead a healthier life and reduce their risk of chronic disease.”
Dr Young said mindless eating was one of the lifestyle factors the campaign aimed to target.
“Many people don’t realise the things they do every day can impact on their health. Eating in front of a TV, computer screen, magazine or phone is mindless eating and means people are not paying attention to the quantity they are consuming, or gauging how full they are.
“The new Health & Fitness Age Challenge app helps people to identify risk areas so they can focus on what needs work.
“People can then work to improve their health and wellbeing over a four-week challenge.
“It’s all about finding simple things you can change in your lifestyle.”
Up to one-third of all cancers are preventable through simple lifestyle adjustments, including eating healthily and maintaining a healthy weight.
To download the free app and try the 4 Week Health & Fitness Age Challenge, visit http://healthier.qld.gov.au.
Queensland schools, businesses and community groups are invited to join CCQ’s QUEST to make the healthy choice, the easy choice. Go to quest.org.au.
More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available at www.cancerqld.org.au or Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.
ENDS
For more information or interviews, please contact:
Katie Clift, Executive Manager, Media and Spokesperson, Cancer Council Queensland
Ph: (07) 3634 5372 or 0409 001 171Cancer Council Queensland is calling on Queenslanders to practice more mindful eating to help curb rising rates of obesity and overweight.
The call follows new research revealing many Queenslanders eat mindlessly, endangering their health.
Nearly two-thirds of Queenslanders eat dinner in front of the TV at least five times a week, one in three Queenslanders routinely snack while watching TV or using the internet, and many report not paying attention to what they eat.
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said mindless eating could lead to weight gain, increasing the risk of a range of chronic diseases.
“The statistics show us mindless eating leads to overeating,” Ms Clift said.
“We need to help Queenslanders be aware of where they are eating, what they’re eating and what they’re doing while they eat.
“Habits have a strong influence on diet – nearly 75 per cent of Queenslanders surveyed agreed a good routine encourages eating healthy foods.
“To maintain a healthy diet and healthy weight, it’s imperative we pay more attention to what we eat and when, and how full we are.
“Cut down the screen time, sit down to dinner with family or friends, be aware of portion sizes, and enjoy and savour your meals.
“Overeating can lead to overweight and obesity, which increases the risk of a range of chronic diseases including some cancers.”
Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young backed the Cancer Council’s call, based on the findings of social research commissioned by Queensland Health and the Australian National Preventive Health Agency (ANPHA).
“The Queensland data was collected to inform the Healthier. Happier. campaign and future obesity prevention programs,” Dr Young said.
“Healthier. Happier. is about encouraging all Queenslanders, no matter their size or situation, to lead a healthier life and reduce their risk of chronic disease.”
Dr Young said mindless eating was one of the lifestyle factors the campaign aimed to target.
“Many people don’t realise the things they do every day can impact on their health. Eating in front of a TV, computer screen, magazine or phone is mindless eating and means people are not paying attention to the quantity they are consuming, or gauging how full they are.
“The new Health & Fitness Age Challenge app helps people to identify risk areas so they can focus on what needs work.
“People can then work to improve their health and wellbeing over a four-week challenge.
“It’s all about finding simple things you can change in your lifestyle.”
Up to one-third of all cancers are preventable through simple lifestyle adjustments, including eating healthily and maintaining a healthy weight.
To download the free app and try the 4 Week Health & Fitness Age Challenge, visit http://healthier.qld.gov.au.
Queensland schools, businesses and community groups are invited to join CCQ’s QUEST to make the healthy choice, the easy choice. Go to quest.org.au.
More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available at www.cancerqld.org.au or Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.
ENDS
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