Did you know

DID YOU KNOW

More people now die from obesity than from malnutrition.

1.4 billion people throughout the world are currently living off less than $1.25 a day in extreme poverty, everyday more than 1100 people die from malnutrition or starvation¹. Even more shocking is that for the first time obesity related deaths have surpassed those from malnutrition and is most evident within developed countries. Due to ever increasing levels of sedentary behaviour carried into adulthood, obesity related diseases are on the rise. Worldwide 2.8 million people die per year from being overweight or obese due to their elevated risk and progression of coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke, type II diabetes and cancer². Classified by a body mass index of >30kg/m² the prevalence of obesity had almost doubled from 1980-2008². In 2010, 21708 people died from ischemic heart diseases, 3945 died of diabetes and 3235 died from prostate cancer³. Thankfully there are small changes you can make to protect yourself from the progression of these chronic diseases. Balance and variety is the key, awareness and monitoring of your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels with your doctor coupled with healthier snack choices and finding opportunities to add a little more exercise into your daily routine will go a long way. Set some achievable goals to get out of those bad habits and tidy up your current diet and exercise plan for 2013.

¹ Australian Bureau of statistics.

http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/1301.0Main+Features2172012

² World Health Organisation: World Health Statistics.

http://www.who.int/gho/publications/world_health_statistics/EN_WHS2012_Brochure.pdf

³ Australian Bureau of statistics, Causes of death.

http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Products/6BAD463E482C6970CA2579C6000F6AF7?opendocument