According to a study published in medical journal The Lancet, obesity rates in Australia are rising faster than anywhere else in the world. Almost two in three adults are now overweight and, alarmingly, by 2020 one-third of Australians over 15 are predicted to be obese.
With new research from the CSIRO revealing Aussies' diets are worse than first thought, we take a closer look at the data in the Medibank Better Health Index to examine the eating habits of Aussies in each state and territory, and to compare the diets of Aussie men and women.
We eat far more food today than we did 100 years ago. You would think that the rapid growth of the fast food industry would have taken its toll on our health, but in fact the food we buy today has actually become healthier.
The report suggests that 82 per cent of Australians have changed their eating habits in the past five years, with 86 per cent trying to be more health-conscious regarding their diet. Over one in two Australians claim to be eating healthier than they were five years ago.
The National Food Survey, conducted since 1950, shows our consumption of fruit has slowly risen since the 1950s, but that consumption of bread, cereals, potatoes and other vegetables has steadily fallen. We eat fewer visible fats today, but consume hidden quantities in processed foods, takeaways and restaurant meals.
Though this sense differs widely from person to person based on palate development during childhood, scientists can study wider trends by examining data from large population samples. Therefore, many studies have determined that food does, indeed, have a different taste than it did years ago.
Although we eat unhealthy food for centuries most types of junk food appeared in 20th century as a result of mechanization, electricity and labor-saving devices that were used for preparation of food.
1. Sydney, NSW. It turns out the most populous city in Australia is also the healthiest. So much so, that Sydney ranked highest in 7 out of 9 wellness factors.
"The Aussie climate definitely drives a more active lifestyle simply because we tend to spend more time outdoors. We also have access to beautiful fresh produce all year round, which means it's easier to make better food choices and nourish our bodies in the right way."
Diet and nutrition in Australia According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, most Australians have a poor diet. The Australian dietary guidelines recommend a variety of foods including plenty of vegetables as well as fruit, grains, lean meat, and other protein, and low-fat dairy.
Yes, on average it was less processed, fresher, more locally sourced, and less corporate controlled and manipulated. There was less choice, but the middle-class staples and standard meal foods were healthier.
In the past 100 years, the average lifespan has increased by about 25 years. At the same time, we've increased the burden of disease. We're living longer, but not healthier. Most chronic diseases and cancers occur in the later part of life, in the 25 years of life we've gained thanks to modern medicine.
Yes, without a doubt. Generations ago, there was no fast food or convenience food so people generally ate healthy fresh produce instead of the junk food they eat today. Furthermore, people were also more active in the past as they either cycled or walked to get around and also had a healthier life style.
Australian cattle are mostly grass fed. This leads to healthier cattle, but also leaner meat. With less marbling on the steak, although healthier, it lacks in tenderness and flavour. That's not to say it doesn't have its own unique properties.
Millennials are now the largest healthy eating consumer group in Australia (32%), showing that this age group is breaking with previous generations to embrace more fresh, healthy food choices.
Australia is considered a wealthy nation with a market-based economy that has a comparatively high gross domestic product and per capita income. Its economy is driven by the service sector and the export of commodities.
Australia is experiencing higher temperatures, more extreme droughts, fire seasons, floods and more extreme weather due to climate change.
Queensland claimed the title of the country's happiest state. Savings aspirations among Australians remain very high, with the number of people trying to save rising to 76% overall (73% in Q2), and to 96% among 18 to 29-year-old women. Pets continue to be the biggest contributor to a person's wellbeing.
Big 7 Travel states
“The friendliest city in Australia awards goes to Perth, thanks to its lively locals, engaging social scene and ease of access for first-time visitors. Perth is a wonderfully vibrant and social place to be.
There are no antioxidants and phytochemicals that we find in whole foods if they are stripped out in processing." Even when nutrients are added back in, like cereals fortified with iron or fibre, food might not be as healthy as it seems. Added nutrients don't work as well as those found in whole foods, she says.
“Despite the vast number of choices offered at fast-food restaurants, some of which are healthier than others, the calories, portion sizes, and sodium content overall have worsened (increased) over time and remain high.”
We often associate the time before microwavable meals and fast food being more wholesome and healthy—with farm fresh vegetables and fruits in abundance—but the typical 1950s American diet was actually considered to be quite high-fat and indulgent.