Causes of Obesity:
Obesity in humans is mainly caused by having an unbalanced intake of energy from mostly fats and lipids. The total amount of food that your body needs depends on your age, sex, body size and level of physical activity.
Prevalence of Obesity in Australia:
Australia today is 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. This is a shocking fact: If weight gain continues at this current rate, by 2025, close to 80% of all Australian adults and a third of all children will be overweight or obese.
Changing Trends in Obesity and its Increase:
These are shocking facts: If weight gain continues at this current rate, by 2025, close to 80% of all Australian adults and a third of all children will be overweight or obese.
Obesity has overtaken smoking as the leading cause of premature death and illness in Australia. Obesity has become the single biggest threat to public health in Australia.
Obesity has overtaken smoking as the leading cause of premature death and illness in Australia. Obesity has become the single biggest threat to public health in Australia.
Obesity in Children and Youth:
This rise in the number of overweight children is disturbing because it causes health problems and can lead to social problems. Overweight children are more likely to be teased by their peers or to develop low self-esteem or body image problems. Once children are overweight, it requires a lot of effort and commitment for them to return to a healthy weight.
Short and Long Term Effects of Obesity:
Short Term Effects:
- Obese children are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
- Obese adolescents are more likely to have prediabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels indicate a high risk for development of diabetes.
- Children and adolescents who are obese are at greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem.
- Children and adolescents who are obese are likely to be obese as adults11-14 and are therefore more at risk for adult health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer, and osteoarthritis.
- Obesity is associated with increased risk for many types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, pancreas, gall bladder, thyroid, ovary, cervix, and prostate
Relevant Statistics Regarding Obesity:
What Food Should We Eat:
Most of: Fruit, Vegetables, Biscuits, Bread, Juice and Milk.
Moderately of: Meats, Eggs and Nuts.
Least of: Cupcakes, Chips, Chocolates, Soft Drinks etc.
Moderately of: Meats, Eggs and Nuts.
Least of: Cupcakes, Chips, Chocolates, Soft Drinks etc.