About excess body weight
Excess weight, especially obesity, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, some musculoskeletal conditions and some cancers. As the level of excess weight increases, so does the risk of developing these conditions. In addition, being overweight can hamper the ability to control or manage chronic disorders.
Excess body weight is a concern
Rates of overweight and obesity are continuing to rise in Australia. Collecting information on these trends is important for managing the health problems associated with them.
Obesity is a National Health Priority Area (NHPA)
Obesity was declared a National Health Priority Area in 2008 because of its impact on the Australian community.
BMI
Body mass index (BMI) is widely used to monitor body weight.
Calculate your BMI (opens in popup window)
Overweight and obesity by the numbers
3 in 5
Australian adults are overweight or obese (based on
BMI). That's over 12 million people!
5%
more adults are overweight or obese than in 1995.
1 in 4
Australian children are overweight or obese.
3rd place
Overweight and obesity is only beaten by smoking and high blood pressure as a contributor to burden of disease.