South East Queensland adults are tipping the scales below average, with new stats showing the region’s adult obesity rates are up to 32 per cent lower 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 Brisbane were 20 per cent lower, Gold Coast 16 per cent lower and Sunshine Coast 32 per cent lower than in Queensland overall.
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said more needed to be done to help locals pursue healthier lifestyles.
“While South East Queensland reports significantly lower levels of adult obesity in some regions, more needs to be done to curb this growing epidemic,” Ms Clift said.
“Being overweight or obese is linked to a range of chronic health problems, including some cancers.
“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 South East Queenslanders to take a look at their lifestyle, and seek support to eat better, move more and help reduce these alarming obesity statistics.”
In Brisbane, around 50 per cent of the adult population are overweight or obese. About 60 per cent of adults engage in sufficient physical activity, but only about 6 per cent eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables for a healthy diet.
On the Gold Coast, around 52 per cent of the adult population are overweight or obese. About 60 per cent of adults engage in sufficient physical activity, but only about 7 per cent eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables for a healthy diet.
On the Sunshine Coast, around 53 per cent of the adult population are overweight or obese. About 57 per cent of adults engage in sufficient physical activity, but only about 8.5 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 area
See more information below-
Key points for South East Queensland:
BRISBANE Local Government Area
· About 151,000 local adults weigh in as obese or severely obese.
· The number of obese and severely obese adults aged 55 years and older was twice as high as adults aged 18-34 years.
· The number of obese and severely obese adults aged 35-54 years was 68 per cent higher than adults aged 18-34 years.
GOLD COAST Local Government Area
· About 76,000 local adults weigh in as obese or severely obese.
· The number of obese and severely obese adults aged 55 years and older was 76 per cent higher than adults aged 18-34 years.
· The percentage of females who consumed the recommended five serves of vegetables daily was 81 per cent higher than males.
SUNSHINE COAST Local Government Area
· About 39,000 local adults weigh in as obese or severely obese.
· The percentage of males who are overweight and obese is 29 per cent higher than females.