Obesity is a growing epidemic in Australian society and is becoming an issue that needs to be addressed. Obesity, defined by a BMI of 30+ or a waist circumference of 88cm (women) and 102cm (men), poses significant threat to the health of youth during the years when nutrition and development is especially important. Obesity can be a result of many social, behavioural, and physical factors, which can be a potential risk to health and development of youth. Since 1995, the proportion of children and youth aged 5-17 who are overweight or obese has rapidly increased with 25.7% of all children or youth in Australia being overweight or obese in 2011-2012.
With over 1 in 4 children or youth who are overweight or obese, the Australian government has developed strategies to promote community awareness and prevent the prevalence of obesity in adolescence within Australia including national ride to school day and the shape it up Australia campaign.
Obesity is a result of many life-style and inherited factors including diet, exercise, socioeconomic status, and genetics, etc., all of which have a significant impact on the health of Australian youth. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and stroke are few of the many conditions caused as a result of being overweight or obese.
Obese youth are not only more likely to die of health related conditions, they are 3 times as likely to die prematurely than individuals who are of a healthy weight. So it is important that obesity is prevented during youth, where it is most important, to increase the likelihood of living a healthy adulthood.
With over 1 in 4 children or youth who are overweight or obese, the Australian government has developed strategies to promote community awareness and prevent the prevalence of obesity in adolescence within Australia including national ride to school day and the shape it up Australia campaign.
Obesity is a result of many life-style and inherited factors including diet, exercise, socioeconomic status, and genetics, etc., all of which have a significant impact on the health of Australian youth. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and stroke are few of the many conditions caused as a result of being overweight or obese.
Obese youth are not only more likely to die of health related conditions, they are 3 times as likely to die prematurely than individuals who are of a healthy weight. So it is important that obesity is prevented during youth, where it is most important, to increase the likelihood of living a healthy adulthood.