Healthy Lifestyle Programs

Overweight/Obesity

Overweight and obesity are serious health issues affecting over 60% of Australian adults. The National Obesity Taskforce reported that excess weight was more common among lower socio-economic and socially disadvantaged groups.

The impact of overweight and obesity on the development of debilitating and life-threatening disease such as coronary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, some cancers, osteo-arthritis, kidney and gallbladder disease and respiratory and musculo-skeletal problems is significant.

According to the Australian Burden of Disease Study 2003, overweight is estimated to cause the most premature death and disability in Australia, followed by tobacco smoking and high blood pressure.

Physical Activity

There is strong evidence of the positive relationship between regular physical activity and better health. Higher levels of regular physical activity are associated with lower mortality rates for both older and younger adults. Furthermore, exercise is a vital factor for achieving weight loss and for maintaining a healthy weight.

Kick Start your Healthy Life

• Aim for two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables every day
• Drink plenty of water
• Limit your intake of fat, sugar and salty foods
• Be active for 30 minutes or more everyday