‘Girth Hour’ will call for Australians of all ages to donate an hour of their day on October 1 toward setting anew health or fitness goal as part of National Health Awareness Month (October).
Obesity Prevention Australia CEO Levi Walz said the Girth Hour initiative had been launched in response to widespread evidence showing Australia was at “tipping point” when it came to everyday diet and lifestyle habits.
“61 per cent of Australian adults are currently overweight or obese, with 25 per cent of Australian children inthe same category.”
“Girth Hour aims to challenge the nation’s poor health and lifestyle habits by encouraging friends, families, schools or boardrooms to spend their lunch hour getting active, choosing a healthy meal or setting a new health goal,” Mr Walz said.
Obesity Surgery Brisbane Dietitian Rachel Moore said as a nation Australia faced two options; prevention orcure.
“Cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, infertility, respiratory problems like asthma andsleep apnoea, joint problems, reflux, hypertension, liver and gallbladder disease as well as psychological issues such as depression and anxiety are all chronic health issues associated with inactivity, poor nutrition and excess weight,” Ms Moore said.
“The direct and indirect costs of obesity are substantial. Increased medical bills associated with surgery andmedication, not to mention reduced productivity and lost income in the workplace.”
“It would be infinitelybetter to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to create habits to prevent substantial weight gain.”
Australians participating in Girth Hour are encouraged to share their personal Girth Hour stories with thenation by posting a comment, picture or video link at www.facebook.com/girthhour any time during 1 October, and will go in the draw to will aRebel Sport fitness pack worth $500.
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