By Natalie Gallenti
The Non-Hungry Eating Program is calling on Brimbank residents to kick start the new year with a resolution to lose weight.
The call comes as the Dietitians Association of Australia launches Australia’s Healthy Weight Week, which focuses on achieving and maintaining a healthier weight by eating better and moving more.
Data from the Victorian Health Department shows 40 per cent of males and 22.9 per cent of females in Brimbank were overweight in 2008, similar to the statewide average of 39.9 per cent and 24 per cent for males and females respectively. Statistics also revealed 23.3 per cent of males and 18.4 per cent of females were obese, slightly higher than the state average.
ISIS Primary Care dietitian Lauren Hallyburton said for most people overeating was triggered by emotions like stress, depression and even happiness.
Ms Hallyburton said non-hungry eating meant eating more than what one physically needed and she said that while most people do this at certain times of the year, particularly Christmas and birthdays, overweight people did it on a daily basis.
“Most people listen to their mind, rather than their stomach,” she said.
“We encourage portion control and exercise.”
She said being overweight or obese could trim years off a person’s life. “Studies show that dropping 5 to 10 per cent in body weight can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and improve glucose tolerance in people with or prone to diabetes.”
The non-hungry eating program will be held this Friday 29 January at ISIS Primary Care in St Albans. To register contact Lauren on 9296 1248.
