Wide Bay Burnett adults are tipping the scales above average, with new stats showing the region’s adult obesity rates are up to 41 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 Bundaberg were 38 per cent higher, Fraser Coast 26 per cent higher, North Burnett 41 per cent higher and South Burnett 34 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 Wide Bay Burnett Queenslanders to take a look at their lifestyle, and seek support to eat better, move more and help reduce these alarming obesity statistics.”
In Bundaberg, around 60 per cent of adults engage in sufficient physical activity, and only about 9 per cent eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables for a healthy diet.
In Fraser Coast, around 50 per cent of adults engage in sufficient physical activity, and only about 9 per cent eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables for a healthy diet.
In North Burnett, around 50 per cent of adults engage in sufficient physical activity and only 7.4 per cent eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables for a healthy diet.
In South Burnett, around 50 per cent of adults 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.
Please see attachment below
Key points for Wide Bay, Queensland:
BUNDABERG Local Government Area
· 22,000 adults in Bundaberg weigh in as obese or severely obese.
· 8000 adults consumed the recommended daily dose of vegetables.
FRASER COAST Local Government Area
· 21,000 adults in Fraser Coast weigh in as obese or severely obese.
· 9000 adults consumed the recommended daily dose of vegetables, females were almost three times as likely as males to eat enough veggies.
NORTH BURNETT Local Government Area
· The number of obese and severely obese adults aged 35-54 years was more than two times higher than adults aged 55 years and over.
· 900 local adults consumed the recommended daily dose of vegetables, females were almost three times as likely as males to eat enough veggies.
SOUTH BURNETTLocal Government Area
· The number of overweight and obese adults aged 55 years and older was 83 per cent higher than adults aged 18-34 years.
· The number of overweight and obese adults aged 35-54 years was 92 per cent higher than adults aged 18-34 years.
· 2750 local adults consumed the recommended daily dose of vegetables, females were more than three times as likely as males to eat enough veggies.