Overview

Biomedical risk factors are bodily states that pose direct and specific risks for health—for example, high blood pressure. They are often influenced by health behaviours such as diet and physical activity, but can also be influenced by genetic, socioeconomic and psychological factors. Modifying biomedical risk factors can reduce an individual’s risk of developing a chronic disease.

More reports and statistics on biomedical risk factors can be found under Chronic disease, Overweight & obesity, Food & nutrition, Physical activity and Social determinants.

Latest findings

3.1% of Australian adults had impaired fasting glucose in 2011–12 Almost 1 in 8 Australian adults (13%) smoked daily in 2016 Tobacco smoking, obesity & excessive alcohol consumption increase the likelihood of developing numerous chronic diseases Insufficient physical activity, dietary risks and high blood pressure are also key chronic disease risk factors Over 1 in 3 Australian adults (34%) had high blood pressure in 2014–15—a slight rise from 32% in 2011–12 Almost 2 in 3 Australian adults (63%) were overweight or obese in 2014–15, similar to 2011–12 Over 1 in 2 Australian adults aged 18–64 years (52%) were not sufficiently active in 2014–15—down from 56% in 2011–12 1 in 5 Australian adults (18%) consumed more than 2 standard drinks per day in 2016—a decrease from 22% in 2007 Almost 2 in 3 Australian adults (63%) had abnormal blood lipids in 2011–12

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Highlights