HEALTH FACTS

Did you know...

Diabetes

  • The World's fastest growing chronic disease
  • Affects over 1.5 million Australians
  • More likely to be get it if you are obese or physically inactive
  • Losing excess weight and exercising more can reduce the risk of acquiring type2 diabetes by 58% 1
  • Physical activty improves the body's sensitivity to insulin that helps to lower blood sugar 5
  • Muscle strengthening activities increase insulin sensitivity which in turn reduces the risk of diabetes 7

Cancer

  • The risk of colon cancer increases by an estimated 15% if you are overweight 2
  • The risk of colon cancer increases by an estimated 33% if you are obese 2
  • The risk of colon cancer nearly doubles if you are physically inactive 5

Hypertension

  • Most common chronic condition in Australia 6
  • The risk of stroke or heart disease increases with blood pressure increases 6
  • Exercise helps control blood pressure. Regular endurance-type exercise has been shown to reduce blood pressure by 5-7mmhg 3

Obesity

  • A major risk factor for diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some cancers 6
  • Around 67% of Australian men and 55% of women are either overweight or obese 6, 8 
  • Today's adult Australians are on average 6-7 kg's heavier than their 1980's counterparts 4
  • 25% of children aged 5-17 years are either overweight or obese 8


References:

1. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/riskfortype2/index.htm

2. http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/cancerstats/types/bowel/riskfactors/

3. ACSM Position Stand (2004). Exercise and Hypertension. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 36(3): 533-553

4. http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/aus/bulletin12/bulletin12.pdf

5. http://www.fittech.com.au/downloads/Anabolic%20Exercise%20for%20Health%20040711.PPT#627,24,Slide 24

6. http://www.health.qld.gov.au/ph/Documents/hpu/21528.pdf

7. Cheng YJ et al (2007). Muscle-strengthening activity and its association with insulin sensitivity. Diabetes Care. Sep; 30(9): 2264-70

8. http//www.healthyactive.gov.au/internet/healthyactive/publishing.nsf/Content/overweight-obesity
   
 

 

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