Diabetes & obesity is costing Queensland billions
Today, Fitness Australia threw its weight behind the Australian Medical Association Queensland and Diabetes Queensland’s call for all political parties to make tackling obesity a health priority and ‘to put diabetes at the top of the election agenda’.
“With obesity and the incidence of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes increasing, Fitness Australia is committed to supporting initiatives and programs that help prevent, manage or even reverse these conditions from our community,” said Lauretta Stace, CEO of Fitness Australia, the peak health and fitness industry association.
In Queensland, more than 65% of adults are overweight or obese and it has the highest adult obesity in the nation, 10% greater than Australia1. About 1 in 12 adult Queenslanders has diabetes, with one undiagnosed case for every four diagnosed cases2.
“With 40% of Queensland adults and almost 60% of children not undertaking sufficient physical activity for health benefits3, it is imperative that Queenslanders become active.”
“We know that resistance training reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, for example doing at least 60 minutes of training a week can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25%4.”
The cost of obesity to the Australian economy is $37.7 billion5 and that of physical inactivity is $13.8 billion6. In addition, new research from Deloitte Access Economics shows that diabetes alone is costing Queensland more than $1.1 billion annually in lost productivity7.
A study has shown that adults that use fitness centres or personal trainers reduce our avoidable health costs by approximately $77 million a year8. This is achieved by significantly reducing their risk of contracting chronic conditions and diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular problems and obesity or in the case of those who have such conditions by using exercise as part of their management regime.
“There is never a better time than now to start lifting. Our industry is committed to delivering safe and effective structured exercise programs, such as Lift for Life®.” Lift for Life® is an evidence-based resistance training program developed by researchers at Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, and is being delivered by Fitness Australia for those who have heart disease and diabetes through its network of registered local fitness providers.
Ms Stace said: “The program has provided assistance to those most in need, to get them back on the road to a healthier and fitter life. Over 2,800 Australians have participated and have on average improved their lower body strength by 105%, aerobic capacity by 92%, agility by 40% and reduced their BMI.
The Lift for Life® program was part of the Australian Government’s former Healthy Communities Initiative which provided assistance to subsidise services to those who are most in need by helping to improve their quality-of-life.
“It is important to remember that the benefits of strength training can be enjoyed by anybody regardless of their fitness level, body type and age. We urge all governments to get behind initiatives and commit to measures that assist people to live healthier and fitter lives” Ms Stace said.
For further information or for an interview with Ms Lauretta Stace, please contact: Angela Koutoulas, Res Publica at [email protected] or 0412 388 574
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