The return of Channel Ten’s hit show The Biggest Loser to our television screens has once again thrust Australia’s obesity problem into the spotlight.
While ostensibly this country is known around the world for its beach-loving and sport obsessed culture, it is, like many other Western countries, in the grip of an obesity epidemic.
Several recent studies undertaken by the Monash University Obesity and Diabetes Institute (MODI) revealed the extent of the problem in our country which can be seen in the graphic below.
Perhaps the most alarming statistic presented by MODI’s study is the fact that only 5.6% of Australian adults enjoy a balanced diet.
According to personal trainer Jonathan Liakopolous, this is a key catalyst behind Australia’s obesity problem but insists it is not the only one.
“Clearly that (people’s diet) is a huge factor in the obesity problem and the data is there to prove it,” Mr Liakopolous said.
“However, it is not the only factor. As the research shows 67% of adults in this country don’t do enough exercise based on what is recommended by the Australian national physical activity guidelines, which is 60 minutes daily for adolescents and 30 minutes daily for adults.”
While Mr Liakopolous suggests a diet rich in “greens and red meat”, in this day and age many people find it hard to avoid the temptation of junk food.
This problem is compounded by the ease with which such food can be purchased and the bombardment of advertisement from industry giants such as McDonalds and KFC.
Companies such as these are able to advertise during prime time television every night and ironically during sporting events.
KFC is one of cricket Australia’s main sponsors and the country’s biggest sporting club, Collingwood, is in partnership with the ‘golden arches’.
Shift manager at Box Hill North McDonalds Jacqueline Gray admits the high exposure McDonalds and others receive in the media through their advertising campaigns is a factor in Australia’s obesity problem.
“I think it is partly responsible (for Australia’s obesity problem),” she said.
“Because McDonalds has such a high advertising and promotion scheme it works to bring people back into the store.”
However, Ms Gray also said it is ultimately up to individuals to recognise the dietary choices they make and while these are not helped by advertising, McDonalds and other fast food outlets cannot take sole blame for the country’s weight problem.
“I think in general obesity is a problem but it’s up to the individual to make a difference to themselves because ultimately it comes down to people’s choice, not just advertising campaigns.”
