Obesity and overweight have overtaken tobacco use as the primary risk factors contributing to the disease burden in Australia, according to the Australian Burden of Disease Study 2024. The report, published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare on December 12, reveals that living with obesity and being overweight is now a more significant contributor to health problems than smoking.
The Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) has called on the government to take more decisive action to combat obesity and overweight, stressing that doing so is essential for improving public health and reducing hospital admissions.
PHAA Chief Executive Officer, Adjunct Professor Terry Slevin, stated that while there are positive trends in Australia’s health, more work remains to be done to address the rising health risks associated with obesity. “The good news is that the overall burden of disease in Australia has decreased by 10 percent over the past two decades, thanks to effective public health measures,” he said. “Additionally, tobacco-related diseases have decreased significantly since 2004, largely due to decades of successful tobacco control initiatives.”
However, Professor Slevin emphasized that smoking still contributes to 7.6 percent of the disease burden, underlining the need for continued vigilance. Public health experts have welcomed the government’s recent tobacco and vaping legislation, which is aimed at safeguarding the health of Australians, particularly young people.
The report highlights a concerning trend: obesity and overweight now account for 8.3 percent of the total disease burden, surpassing tobacco as the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the country. Furthermore, dietary risks, such as excessive salt intake, contribute an additional 4.8 percent to the preventable disease burden, exacerbating issues like high blood pressure.
Professor Slevin called for comprehensive strategies to combat obesity, including measures such as restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods, implementing clearer food labeling, introducing a health levy on sugary drinks, and funding programs to reduce rates of obesity. “We need to make it easier for people to live healthier lives,” he said, adding that addressing obesity should be a priority in Australia’s public health agenda.
Beyond obesity, Professor Slevin stressed the need for broader measures to tackle unhealthy lifestyles, such as curbing the pervasive advertising of harmful products and reducing alcohol availability. He also emphasized the importance of promoting physical activity through better urban design and accessible transportation options.
The report underscores the importance of preventative health measures. While one-third of the disease burden is attributed to preventable causes, Australia’s healthcare system continues to prioritize treatment over prevention. “Only $1 in every $50 spent on health goes to prevention,” Professor Slevin pointed out. “By increasing this to $1 in $20, we can lay the foundation for improving the nation’s health in the long term.”
Professor Slevin concluded that enhancing investments in the National Preventive Health Strategy is a crucial next step. “We’ve proven that public health policies can significantly improve health outcomes. It’s now time to build on this success to ensure a healthier future for all Australians and reduce the growing financial burden of chronic diseases.”
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