The second annual Zurich Heart Foundation Heart Health Index findings have been released, and the picture it paints is not a healthy one for many Australians, especially men.
One of the headline findings of the survey is that Australians have a risky, distorted perception of their health status, and are unwittingly putting their heart health at risk. The report found that men fare worse than women with this distorted perception of their health.
This year’s Index shows that 54% Australians are either overweight or obese, which is an increase over last year.
But while 54% of Australians are either overweight or obese, the Index tells us that only two per cent of respondents reported they had made lifestyle choices to satisfy guidelines to lower their risk of heart disease (the remaining 98% admitting they are not doing enough to reduce their risky choices to their health).
Some of the lifestyle choices suggested by the Zurich Australia and the Heart Foundation to lower the risk of heart disease include:
- Stop smoking
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat the right number of servings of fruit and vegetables each day
- Meet physical activity guidelines
…our perception of our health … may be clouded by judging ourselves against others rather than within the recommended guidelines
Dr Lyn Roberts, CEO - National of the Heart Foundation, said “As our waistlines expand, it appears that our perception of what is a healthy weight has also expanded - so many people who are overweight or obese do not actually see themselves in this way. Dr Roberts added, “…the results from this Index show that our perception of our health - especially when it comes to our weight - may be clouded by judging ourselves against others rather than within the recommended guidelines.
Statistics confirm that heart disease is the single biggest cause of death in Australia (34% of all Zurich death claims are relate to cardiovascular disease).
Commenting on the Index findings this year, Zurich Australia CEO, David Smith, said “There is an urgent need for the community, governments and their health agencies, in partnership with the life insurance industry, to band together to urgently address this health issue, the biggest killer of Australians.”
Zurich notes it is also working together with financial advisers and brokers who offer life insurance, to help them make their clients understand how they can improve their heart health.
Some of the broader approaches needed to address the risks of obesity in Australians and make healthier choices, according to Zurich Heart Health, include:
- Changing the food supply to increase the availability and demand for healthier food products
- Introducing food labelling on packaging and menus to support healthier food choices
- Creating opportunities for increased physical activity in schools, at home and within the community
