Article updated January 2024
A comprehensive global study lead by the University of Washington has shown that the rise in worldwide obesity is becoming an increasing concern with “startling” increases. The international team of researchers drew data from 188 countries across all 21 regions of the world and involved a thorough review of reports, scientific literature, and surveys that related to rates of obesity and being overweight between the years 1980 and 2013.
What is the rate of obesity in Australia?
According to data from the Australian National Obesity Strategy 2022-2032, almost two thirds (65.8%) of Australian adults were overweight or obese in 2022 and 1 in four Aussie children. The study by the University of Washington ranked Australia as second on a global scale for increases in obesity rates, behind the US.
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya
New findings offer some hope for obesity rates
While the study showed that, unlike other major global health risks such as smoking, there was no significant decline in obesity rates in any country, there was a glimmer of hope with the most recent statistics. Lead researcher, Professor Emmanuela Gakidou, said,
“Our findings show that increases in the prevalence of obesity have been substantial, widespread, and have arisen over a short time. However, there is some evidence of a plateau in adult obesity rates that provides some hope that the epidemic might have peaked in some developed countries and that populations in other countries might not reach the very high rates of more than 40% reported in some developing countries.”
References:
- Global, regional, and national prevalence of overweight andobesity in children and adults during 1980–2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013, Emmanuela Gakidou et al., published in The Lancet, 29 May 2014.
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(14)60460-8/abstract
The Aussie Underwear Brand Nailing the Brief for Profit and Sustainability
A pair of Step One underwear is being sold every 8 seconds around the world, including Australia, America and the UK. From humble beginnings as a bedroom start-up to a now multi-million dollar, publicly listed company, Step One is kicking some serious business goals, all the while managing to maintain meticulous ethical and sustainable practices.
2024 Mother’s Day Classic Supporting Ovarian Cancer Too
Mother’s Day is fast approaching and while some families have a tradition of breakfast in bed or a favourite restaurant for dinner, some Aussies have been making the Mother’s Day Classic fun run a part of theirs. Founded in 1998, this charity event has raised more than $44 million for research into breast cancer over
Let’s Get Physical With Retrosweat Sydney!
Retrosweat, the fun, authentic, 1980s freestyle aerobics classes first started gaining a following in Sydney more than a decade ago and expanded to two locations, offering classes each week. Retrosweat also offer an online library of “at-home” workouts to meet the growing demand for exercise that is both fun and entertaining. What is Retrosweat? Lycra,
Be Mindful in May and Pause for a Cause
What if you could find more focus, clarity, and effectiveness in daily life by learning a 10-minute mindfulness technique and at the same time have a positive impact on the world? Join the Mindful in May movement next month and you can make it happen. What is Mindful in May? Mindful in May is a
Do Protein Supplements Cause Weight Gain?
One of the most common misconceptions in nutrition is that protein supplements contribute to weight gain. We asked Mark Robinson, dietitian and expert for BSc supplements to offer up some advice on the topic and so we can answer the question – do protein supplements cause weight gain? The facts around protein and weight gain
Female Athletes Endorse Athena Sports Nutrition for Women
A new sports nutrition range has just hit our shelves that has been designed specifically to meet the needs of athletic females. Vitaco Health, known for leading sports nutrition brand Musashi, have launched ATHENA Sports Nutrition for women, with several well known Aussie athletes on board as ambassadors to the brand. What is ATHENA Sports