06 August 2008

Report shows obesity rates are increasing amongst young adults

NSW Minister for Health Reba Meagher said a new report shows many young people are adopting healthier lifestyles but more of them are becoming obese.

The 1997-2007 Report on Young Adults examines the health behaviours of 16 - 24 year olds including obesity levels, alcohol intake and nutrition.

"This report tells us that young people are ticking a lot of the right boxes when it comes to their health, such as eating more fruit and having regular health checks," Ms Meagher said.

"That's the good news, but clearly there is still a lot more to do to ensure our young people live long and healthy lives into the future.

"The report shows that the number of young people who are overweight has remained steady, but the number of young people who are obese, with a Body Mass Index above 30, has increased significantly.

"The big jump in obesity among young women - up from 2.7 per cent to 9.9 per cent - is a real concern, particularly when the research tells us that about 80 per cent of obese adolescents continue to be obese as adults.

"It's exactly this sort of evidence that underscores the importance of our $36 million statewide Obesity Strategy which is focused on prevention as well as treatment for those who are already overweight or obese."

Ms Meagher said there are some pleasing results in the report, with fewer young people engaging in high-risk and risk drinking behaviour, and fewer young adults are smoking.

Other major findings include:

• More young adults have health checks: Since 1997 more young adults have had their blood pressure measured in the last two years (up from 71.3 per cent to 78.4 per cent); and more young adults have had their cholesterol level measured in the last
  two years (up from 18.7 per cent to 23.0 per cent).
• More young adults eat fruit every day: Since 1997, more young adults eat the recommended serves of two or more pieces of fruit per day (up from 43.1 per cent to 51.8 per cent); this increase is particularly significant among females (up from 45.3 per cent to 55.3 per cent) and in urban areas (up from 43.6 per cent to 52.4 per cent).
• Fewer young adults consume vegetables in rural areas: Since 1997, fewer young adults in rural areas eat the recommended daily five serves or more of vegetables a day (up form 8.6 per cent to 4.0 per cent).

"We are constantly evaluating health issues in rural sectors of NSW and providing initiatives to support access to health services in rural regions," Ms Meagher said.

"The results of reports like this help us shape our ongoing health messages and strategies to ensure they are relevant and effective to those most in need."

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au