Based on the latest available data, of adults aged 18 and over (ABS 2018e): Two in 3 (67%) are living with overweight or obesity. This is approximately 12.5 million adults. 36% are living with overweight but not obesity.
In Australia, currently 63.4 per cent of adults and 24 per cent of children are considered overweight or obese. The World Obesity Federation projects 51 per cent of the global population will be overweight or obese by 2035.
Australia has the second highest rate of obese men among countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), placing them just behind the United States, according to a report released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
When comparing the proportion of obese men and women across OECD countries, Australia had the 2nd highest proportion of obese men (32%), behind the United States (38%). The proportion of obese women in Australia was 8th highest out of 23 countries (29%)—higher than the OECD average of 25% for women.
The rise in obesity has been attributed to poor eating habits in the country closely related to the availability of fast food since the 1970s, sedentary lifestyles and a decrease in the labour workforce.
The biggest increases in excess weight gain are from childhood to early adulthood. Many Australians consume more energy than they need through unhealthy diets that are high in sugar, saturated and/or trans fats and alcohol.
The ABS reported that two thirds of Aussies are overweight or obese that means 12.5 million people nationwide have a bulging waistline! That means over half of Australian's are considered overweight or obese! According to the Heart Foundation this is the break down via location: South Australia 65.8%
Australia is ranked fifth for obesity, with wider waistlines than countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada and Ireland, but slimmer than Hungary, New Zealand, Mexico and the United States, which has an obesity rate of 38.2 per cent.
Overweight and obesity
Tasmania had the highest rate of adults who were overweight or obese (70.9%), compared with Australian Capital Territory (64.0%) who had the lowest.
Tamworth has been crowned the fattest town in Australia, with almost two-thirds of its adult residents classified as obese. The NSW town has an astonishing 61.2 per cent obesity rate, compared to a 31.3 per cent rate nationally. This is the equivalent to an average 172cm man weighing an incredible 90kg or more.
Rates of overweight and obesity are continuing to rise in Australia. Collecting information on these trends is important for managing the associated health problems. The AIHW regularly reports on overweight and obesity as a risk factor for chronic disease.
The average Australian woman was 161.8 cm tall and weighed 71.1 kg. On average, Australians are growing taller and heavier over time. Between 1995 and 2011-12, the average height for men increased by 0.8 cm and for women by 0.4 cm, while the average weight for men increased by 3.9 kg and for women by 4.1 kg.
Nutrient transmission (change in diet) is the primary cause of the obesity epidemic in the Pacific Islands, with a high amount of imported foods high in salt and fat content grow.
Obesity in China is a major health concern according to the WHO, with overall rates of obesity between 5% and 6% for the country, but greater than 20% in some cities where fast food is popular.
Japan's success in avoiding the obesity problem faced by most of the western world is down to three main factors: an appreciation of good food from cradle to grave, a lifestyle that encourages incidental exercise, and a large dollop of paternalism.
The obesity risk in Vietnam could be low due to factors such as the local cuisine which are mostly organic with a low percentage of oil. The food is not much processed and mostly fresh, and the variety of ingredients used crates balanced meals.
Too many Australians are not active enough for various reasons, including poor health, injury and lack of time. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and Australian Bureau of Statistics research found that in Australia: more than half (55%) of adults do not meet the physical activity guidelines.
under 18.5kg/m2 – you are considered underweight and possibly malnourished.
Top 10 Healthiest Countries in the World (2021 Global Health Security Index): United States — 75.9. Australia — 71.1. Finland — 70.9.
Many Australians are overweight or obese. This puts them at higher risk of developing chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. Find out what we're doing to reduce and prevent overweight and obesity in Australia.
Unfortunately, knowledge and awareness alone are insufficient for dealing with the obesity epidemic, which has been described by the United Nations as a ”wicked problem” – one that is highly resistant to resolution, due not only to the sheer numbers affected but also the widespread, changing, interconnected and ...
The intergenerational cultural, socio-economic and political impact of Australia's colonisation have led to poor nutrition and health including the forced removal of Aboriginal people from traditional lands and a resultant inability to access traditional food sources as Aboriginal people became more urbanised, were ...