By NICOLE VALICEK
NEARLY half of all women living in the City of Melton are overweight and obese according to recent statistics.
Melton Mayor Kathy Majdlik said within the city of Melton 49 per cent of adult females (aged 18 and older) are overweight and obese, which is higher than the state’s average.
“Rates of weight gain in young women are higher than other Australians, which may affect fertility and long-term health,” Cr Majdlik said.
According to the findings of a health atlas compiled by Bowel Cancer Australia 18.3 per cent of all people 18 years and over in Melton are obese, with 19 per cent of males (18 years and over) in that category.
Chief Executive of Djerriwarrh Health Services Bruce Marshall said he was troubled by the fact that the obesity levels in the Melton area were trending upwards with the rest of the nation.
He said this would impact on the cost on health care services, workplaces and individuals.
“Overweight and obesity increases one’s risk factors for developing a range of serious health conditions including Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, certain forms of cancer, sleep apnoea and joint problems such as osteoarthritis,” Mr Marshall said.
“The best means of reducing one’s weight and subsequently improving health outcomes is to include healthy eating and activity practices into everyday life.”
According to the health atlas nearly 60 per cent of Melton residents have at least one of four of the following health risk factors including smoking, harmful use of alcohol, physical inactivity and obesity.
