SA: Obesity levels jump in SA

AAP General News (Australia)
04-24-2006
SA: Obesity levels jump in SA

ADELAIDE, April 24 AAP - South Australians are getting fatter, with 20 per cent of
the state's adult population considered obese.

The state's health department has released the findings in its annual door-to-door
survey, which checks on the body mass index (BMI) of South Australians.

It found that the number of people with a BMI of 30 or more, to be classified as obese,
had jumped from 11.6 per cent in 1993 to 19.9 per cent last year, or more than 234,000
people.

Another 33 per cent of people were found to be overweight to some degree.

Health Minister John Hill said it was no surprise that obesity levels had increased
over the past decade.

But he said the latest survey also showed that all areas of the state had been affected,
not just Adelaide.

The increase meant that more people were at risk of serious health problems linked
to obesity including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, some cancers and sleep disorders,
Mr Hill said.

"There are social, economic and environmental factors that influence obesity, but many
South Australians can also take responsibility for maintaining a healthy weight through
exercise and good eating," Mr Hill said.

"It's well known that physical activity is not only helpful in controlling weight,
but can alleviate depression, help manage stress, strengthen self-esteem and boost mental
alertness."

AAP tjd/jm/nf

KEYWORD: OBESE

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