According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the most obese countries are primarily located in the Pacific and the Middle East. The Pacific island nations of Nauru, Cook Islands, and Palau have the highest rates of obesity, with over 30% of their populations being classified as obese.
All 10 of the world's fattest countries were in the Pacific — with the remote island of Nauru holding the top spot. Almost nine in 10 people in Nauru are overweight, according to the data.
Media Release - 16 November 2020
Aussie men are the second most obese in OECD countries - Aussie men have the second highest rates of obesity (32%) among 23 OECD countries, behind the USA (38%). Aussie women fared better than men but are still obese at a higher rate than the OECD average.
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.
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.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics' National Health Survey from 2017–18 revealed that 67 per cent of Australian adults were overweight or obese (12.5 million people), an increase from 63.4 per cent since 2014-15. If the current trend continues, more than 18 million Australians will be overweight or obese by 2030.
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%
Key Points. 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.
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.
In 2011-12, the average Australian man (18 years and over) was 175.6 cm tall and weighed 85.9 kg. The average Australian woman was 161.8 cm tall and weighed 71.1 kg. On average, Australians are growing taller and heavier over time.
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.
Many factors can contribute to excess weight gain including eating patterns, physical activity levels, and sleep routines. Social determinants of health, genetics, and taking certain medications also play a role.
Belgium, where people eat 95 grams of fat each day on average, holds the distinction of being the world's most fat-crazed country.
Obesity is associated with the leading causes of death, including deaths from diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer. How Does Obesity Affect African American Populations? African American women have the highest rates of obesity or being overweight compared to other groups in the United States.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics' (ABS) National Health Survey 2017–18 has painted a picture of the typical Australian's health. The report found that the typical Australian male is overweight at a height of 175 cm and weight of 87 kg, with the typical female is also overweight at 161 cm and 72 kg.
Is obesity a disability as defined by the NDIA? Earlier AAT rulings have determined that obesity alone is not a disability because it does not 'entail a loss of, or damage to, a physical, sensory or mental function' (see Schwass and the NDIA).
Nearly 65 per cent of Australian adults and 25 per cent of children are overweight or obese, and less than 7 per cent consume a healthy diet.
under 18.5kg/m2 – you are considered underweight and possibly malnourished.
Physical activity in Australia
more than half (55%) of adults do not meet the physical activity guidelines. 2 in 3 (70%) children aged 2 to 17 do not meet the guidelines. only 3 in 10 pregnant women meet the guidelines. only 2% of teenagers aged 13 to 17 meet the guidelines.
In Australia, energy is measured in kilojoules. Energy can also be measured in kilocalories, or you might be more familiar with the term 'calories'. One kilocalorie is the same amount of energy as 4.2 kilojoules. You can convert calories to kilojoules using the online calculator.
Silvana Pannain, MD: Yes, you can be overweight and metabolically healthy. At the same time, we know that obesity is a disease that affects the body in many different ways. Thirteen types of cancer and 200 other health conditions are related to obesity.
Risk factors for childhood obesity
Factors that may cause children to become overweight and obese include: Food choices – these include choosing high fat and sugary foods instead of healthier options. Lack of physical activity – Australian children are less active than they were in the past.