The number of Australians who are overweight or obese
is continuing to increase. In 1999-2000 approximately 67% of adult males
and 52% of adult females were classified as overweight or obese. In addition
to this, approximately 20% of 5 - 18 year olds are now also overweight
or obese (which is double the amount recorded in 1986).
In numerical terms, this means almost 8 million adults and 600 000 children
and adolescents in Australia were either overweight or obese in 2000.
In 1989 - 1990 the direct cost of obesity to the community was an estimated
$464 million. In addition to the direct costs there were indirect costs (such
as loss of income and loss in productivity) of around $272 million, resulting
in a total cost of $736 million. Only 3 years later in 1992-1993, this total
cost was $840 million - an enormous leap in money and strain put on our health
care system.
Unfortunately we are not alone. The epidemic of overweight and obesity is part of a worldwide trend. Being overweight is a disease in itself, however it can also cause other complications in our body - both metabolic / chemical and physical / mechanical. The strain we put on our bodies by being overweight is from any one of these - or a combination of any or all of them!
