BRIMBANK is the obesity capital of the West.
A recent public health study found more than 18 per cent of males in the south of the municipality, including Sunshine, Deer Park and St Albans, were obese.
In areas around Keilor, Taylors Lakes and Sydenham just under 15 per cent of men were found to be obese, according to the report.
This equated to around 10,700 obese men in the south and 13,500 in the north.
Women in Brimbank did not fare any better in the weight stakes.
Around 17 per cent or 5500 of females in the municipality’s north were found to be obese and just over 16 per cent or 5000 in the south.
The report also confirms Brimbank’s shocking overweight epidemic.
Around 42 per cent of males in Keilor, Taylors Lakes and Sydenham – around 13,500 men – are overweight.
More than 21 per cent of women in the same area are listed as overweight. About 36 per cent of Sunshine men are overweight and around one-fifth of women.
The study, released by the University of Adelaide’s Public Health Information Development Unit, found that lower socio-economic areas had more obese people than affluent suburbs.
According to Brimbank’s municipal health plan, obesity is often associated with low educational attainment, high television viewing, high energy food intake and a high rate of diabetes.
Associate Professor Harry Teichtahl, of Western Hospital’s Department of Respiratory and Sleep Disorders, said obesity rates of around 20 per cent were standard across Australia.
Professor Teichtahl said people from lower socio-economic areas were worst affected, with poor diet and lack of exercise major influences.
He said governments needed to fund a major campaign to raise general awareness of obesity.
“I think one of the solutions is mounting a program like the Quit (anti-smoking) campaign – talking about good food and good health.
“Using fear may be a part of it,” Professor Teichtahl said.
He said obesity increased people’s risks of cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis and diabetes.
