Summary

Australia has become the fattest nation in the world. According to the latest figures, 4 million Australians (26% of adults) are obese, and another 5 million are considered overweight. Another report concludes that 17% of Australian children are overweight, and 6% are obese. What are we doing to counter these alarming trends? The health consequences of obesity are many and varied, and include cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. This book presents a detailed study of obesity in Australia and includes: the latest overweight and obesity statistics; the Body Mass Index (BMI) and measuring weight; the health risks of obesity; tackling overweight/obesity among children, including unhealthy food and beverage advertising aimed at them; and presents a range of approaches to maintaining healthy weight through diet and exercise.