Excess body Fat measured by Body Mass Index (weight by Height squared)
BMI is only relevant to Caucasians over 18 yrs of age
(see www. betterhealth.vic.gov.au)
Obese = a BMI over 30

• About ½ of Australian adults are overweight or obese
• High body mass is responsible for 7.6 % of the total burden of disease in Australia
• Increase in Diabetes linked to Obesity
• Males (45 -65 yrs of age),Indigenous and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups most at risk of Obesity

• The health problems linked to obesity are:-
Depression, Cancer, High blood pressure,
Sleep apnea (can’t breath when sleeping),
Type 2 diabetes, Arthritis, Asthma, Stroke,
Coronary Heart Disease/heart attacks, Gall
Bladder disease, Pregnancy complications

• Australia Measures Up – National Obesity
Campaign
• www.measureup.gov.au
• Healthy Habits for Life – a guide for parents
• www.health.gov.au
• Healthy Places, Healthy Spaces
• www.healthyplaces.org.au
• Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program
• www.kitchengardenfoundation.org.au