Two new reports have indicated that Australia’s rate of chronic disease is likely to escalate because people lack the motivation to exercise or eat healthily.
The latest edition of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s (AIHW) annual report on health and well-being (‘Australia’s Health 2014’) revealed that 63% of all Australian adults were either overweight or obese. The problem was more pronounced in the male population, with 70% of men found to be at an unhealthy weight, compared to 56% of women.
In addition, the report found that nearly three in five Australian adults (57%) do not exercise enough to meet the recommended guidelines, and 92% do not eat the recommended five serves of vegetables a day.
According to the AIHW, poor health behaviours, such as lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating, lead to the development of chronic diseases and conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and mental health issues. The AIHW reported that chronic diseases were the leading cause of illness, disability and death in Australia, accounting for 90% of all deaths.
“Chronic diseases have often been called ‘Australia’s greatest health challenge’ – and while not solely related to behavioural factors in all cases, can be heavily linked to smoking, physical inactivity, poor nutrition and the harmful use of alcohol,” explained AIHW Director and CEO, David Kalisch. “This can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, which in turn can lead to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and mental health issues.”
…changes in health behaviours can reduce the impact of chronic diseases
Mr Kalisch said the rise of chronic diseases was the most pervasive of Australia’s health worries, but also one of the areas with the strongest potential for improvement.
“We know that across all ages, changes in health behaviours can reduce the impact of chronic diseases – the World Health Organisation estimates that, worldwide, up to 80% of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes, and up to one-third of cancers, could be prevented by eliminating smoking, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and the harmful use of alcohol,” Mr Kalisch said.
But new research released by AIA Australia as part of its Vitality initiative shows that nearly 40% of Australians believe it’s better to look after health issues when they arise, rather than taking preventative measures.
AIA Australia’s ‘Turn-On to Wellness’ survey revealed that almost 90% of Australians wished they were more motivated to create and sustain a happier and healthier quality of life.
Nearly two in three women believe a lack of willpower, and half say a lack of enjoyment, are barriers to exercise. When it comes to healthy eating, men said they would rather eat whatever they want and then work it off later. Men find not enjoying healthy food (30%) or not knowing how to cook it (28%) are barriers to eating well.
When asked to identify what factors would motivate them to exercise more and eat better:
- 40% of men and women said eating something tasty, as a reward after a workout session, was the most popular source of exercise motivation
- 82% said that being a member of a social exercise group motivated them to exercise more
- Two-thirds of people said posting their exercise achievements on social media helped them to achieve their fitness goals (although more than half of Aussies said they find other people’s fitness posts and ‘selfies’ annoying)
- Men were more likely than women to cite wanting to attract or date new people as a motivation for getting healthy
- Women were more likely than men to list being a good role model and caring for their family as a reason to exercise and eat well
Damien Mu, acting Chief Executive Officer of AIA Australia, said that it is crucial Australians find their own personal motivational techniques to get healthier.
“Everyone has their own motivator or ‘turn on’ to improve their health. From wanting to look good at a friend’s wedding, to being able to keep up with your grandkids, everyone is different. That is why we’ve launched AIA Vitality, a health and wellness program that is based around incentives and rewards.
“This is the first time that a life insurer will pay people for making healthy choices, such as through reduced insurance premiums and discounts from leading brands like Myer and Qantas. It is truly a revolutionary development for the life insurance industry.”
