Australia is today ranked as one of the fattest nations in the developed world. The prevalence of obesity in Australia has more than doubled in the past 20 years.
Australia has become accustomed to sitting down – at work, on the couch, in the car – and it’s taking a major toll on the health of individuals and our economy.
- Fourteen million Australians are overweight or obese
- More than five million Australians are obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 )
If weight gain continues at current levels, by 2025, close to 80% of all Australian adults and a third of all children will be overweight or obese. Australia’s increasingly sedentary lifestyle is part of the complex and widespread problem of obesity and other related health diseases, which contribute to the death of more than 7,200 people each year .
Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for non-communicable conditions such as:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Some types of cancer
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Kidney disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Endometrial, breast, and colon cancers
- Mental health and eating disorders.
We all need to be moving more – not just exercising 30 minutes – but regularly throughout the day. Mounting evidence shows even basic regular movement like standing up while at work can help prevent health issues like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer.
Being experts in biomechanics and therapeutic exercise, osteopaths are increasingly playing a vital role in the management and prevention of obesity as well as the broader general public health message.
Overweight or obese individuals will have different needs and goals specific to their condition. An Osteopath can identify and prescribe programs most suited to their condition and coordinate a comprehensive weight management program that is safe and effective to make positive lifestyle changes.
Make an appointment to see our Osteopaths today, it can be a good way to get you started with short-term goals, with a view to supporting you in a longer-term program to maintain a healthy lifestyle.