KWINANA is one of the unhealthiest suburbs in Perth with more than 68 per cent of adults being obese or overweight, according to new data from the Australian Health Policy Collaboration.
The study used modelled estimates to come up with the figures, which put Seville Grove – with 71.2 per cent of citizens obese or overweight – as the heaviest suburb in the greater Perth area. (Scroll down for the top 15 areas.)
Mayor Carol Adams said the city was working towards reversing this trend through its Kwinana Healthy Lifestyles Plan.
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READ NOW“The aim of the plan is to create a community in which every resident has the opportunity to choose a healthy lifestyle,” Cr Adams said.
“We are increasing low-cost health and fitness options across Kwinana, with a focus on groups who traditionally face barriers to improving their health.”
She said programs such as Active Women for women with children, Senior Sational, and FoodREDi adult cooking classes have all proven successful.
The city has been working with LiveLighter, schools and community groups to get the healthy lifestyle message through.
LiveLighter campaign director Maria Szybiak said being overweight increased the risk of developing chronic disease such as heart disease, type two diabetes and several cancers.
“It also increases your chance of developing high blood pressure, gall bladder disease, gout, impaired fertility, lower back pain, osteoarthritis and many other health problems,” Ms Szybiak said.
But she said the health risk of obesity were not just of concern to Kwinana residents.
“Over two thirds of Australian adults are obese and overweight,” she said.
“Building strong relationships with local communities is a crucial step in tackling the obesity issue.”
Cr Adams said the city’s health programs were important to encourage residents to eat healthy food and increase their physical activity every day.
To find out how you can LiveLighter visit www.livelighter.com.au.
The top 15 areas for overweight citizens were:
Seville Grove: 71.2 per cent Armadale-Wungong-Brookdale: 70.0 Kwinana West: 68.7 Butler-Merriwa-Ridgewood/Clarkson: 68.0 Kwinana East: 67.6 Baldivis/Singleton-Golden Bay-Secret Harbour: 67.2 Port Kennedy: 67.1 Pinjarra: 67.0 Beeliar/Henderson/Wattleup/Yangebup: 66.9 Mandurah North: 66.8 Camillo-Champion Lakes/Kelmscott: 66.7 Ellenbrook/Gidgegannup/The Vines: 66.6 Yanchep: 66.4 Carramar/Tapping-Ashby-Sinagra: 65.6 Middle Swan-Herne Hill/Stratton-Jane Brook: 65.5
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