The Gold Coast Bulletin

Obesity reduces long life

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OBESITY has become so widespread that it has slowed the increase in life expectancy across the country.

Researcher­s from the University of Melbourne have released a report that reveals after 20 years of rapid increases in life expectancy at birth, the rate is now falling behind most other high-income nations.

The report, published today in The Medical Journal of Australia, found that while the country still has one of the highest life expectanci­es in the world, the growth is slowing.

“The level of obesity in Australia is a concern,” co-author Dr Tim Adair said. “Australia has one of the highest levels of obesity in the world – 28 per cent of adults are obese.

“Obesity, and related risk factors such as poor diet and low physical activity, are barriers to Australia’s life expectancy increasing more quickly.”

Dr Adair said there needed to be significan­t investment in preventive health measures.

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