Staggering with extra weight

Lifestyle at fault

JUNK food, a lack of infrastructure and laziness have helped residents south of Cairns claim the title of fattest in the Far North.

The latest update from Australia’s Health Trackers paints a grisly picture for those at Babinda, Innisfail and Yarrabah.

The data shows 38.4 per cent or 4668 adults in the towns are obese.

Cairns City, Edge Hill and Whitfield had the best results at 24.8 per cent.

Stratford Medical Centre GP Dr John Duhagiar, who has just completed a sevenyear stint at Mossman, said rural areas tended to be worse due to a lack of facilities, access to fresh food and education levels.

“The whole culture context. You are more likely to bump into people who are into their good food and fish in Cairns, rather than in a rural area,” he said.

“These things all have their particular influence and increase the probability of being overweight.”

It comes as new legislation was passed this week paving the way for the appointment of a National Rural Health Commissioner.

A University of Queensland study also published found watching television was linked to a range of negative health consequences.

The research, which was the first of its kind, used data from almost 2000 participants in the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study.

Dr Duhagiar said people had become increasingly time poor and struggled to find time to exercise.

“People start to put on weight when they suddenly become more sedentary, which usually precedes increased eating,” he said.

He listed high blood pressure, weakened joints, diabetes, mood changes and cardiovascular problems as some of the health issues that come with obesity.

“In a place like Cairns, there should be enough people with the experience, knowledge and facilities available to make those changes.

“If you’re motivated enough and willing to put in the effort,” he said.