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Barbie Hits Australians In The Gut

June 19th, 2008 by GiGi

obeseaustralians It seems the Australians need to take a few things off the “barbie”. The Aussie Barbie is Australia’s slang for the Australian Barbeque - Australia’s most famous culinary experience. Almost every household in Australia owns a BBQ, all part of the Australian household décor.

Australia has a dubious honor outlined in a recent study - they are the new heavyweight champions of the world, according to new figures showing the nation has a greater proportion of obese citizens than the United States.

The latest comprehensive obesity study has shown that 26% of adult Australians - almost four million - are now obese, one million more than the last calculation in 1999.

The findings give Australia top spot as the world’s most overweight nation, ahead of the notoriously super-sized Americans, who have a 25% obesity rate.

The report reveals that nine million adults have a BMI over 25, making them overweight or obese, an increase from seven million.

Middle-aged Australians are leading the way, with seven in 10 men and six in 10 women aged 45 to 64 now registering a BMI of 25 or more.

An analysis of the data shows that there will be an extra 700,000 heart-related hospital admissions in the next 20 years due to obesity alone.

Almost 125,000 people will die as a result, many prematurely.

The report calls for a national weight loss strategy on the scale of smoking and skin cancer campaigns, including subsidising gym memberships and personal training sessions for heavier people.