Obesity continues to be one of the leading causes of preventable disease in Western Australia with a new report highlighting the impact it is having on the WA health system.
The Burden and Cost of Excess Body Mass in Western Australian Adults and Children released today provides an in-depth look at the growing cost of overweight and obesity to the WA health system.
In 2016, health conditions attributable to excess body mass were responsible for 9.3 per cent of all hospitalisations in Western Australia, costing the health system close to $340 million.
The report projects that unless we can stem the problem, by 2026 hospitalisations due to excess body mass will have risen by 54 per cent – and the costs to our health system by 80 per cent, to $610 million.
The McGowan Government’s Live Lighter campaign encourages and supports people to eat well, be physically active and to maintain a healthy weight.
This homegrown campaign has now been adopted in most Australian States and Territories, and has been recognised internationally as an exemplar for public health campaigns.
Visit https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Reports-and-publications to download the report.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
“Obesity not only impacts our hospitals but it also has serious flow-on impacts to our community and takes a personal toll on individuals and their loved ones.
“This report shows us that even the smallest improvements can play a significant role in turning this situation around.
“In the past few months, we’ve seen more Western Australians out cycling and walking, and a renewed interest in preparing healthy food at home. This could be a great opportunity to kickstart good habits that help us maintain a healthier weight.”
KEY FINDINGS
Excess body mass was responsible for 8.1 per cent of all deaths in WA
Males were more likely to die prematurely due to excess body mass
Almost 64 per cent of deaths attributable to excess body mass were due to ischaemic heart disease (30 per cent), Alzheimer’s disease (13 per cent), diabetes mellitus (11 per cent) and chronic kidney disease due to certain causes (10 per cent).
