If you’re feeling like you have more than a winter coat to lose coming into summer, now is the time to take part in a public health and wellbeing program.
The statistics show that those who are carrying a little girth are not alone.
The most recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that 2 in 3 (67 per cent) Australians aged 18 and over were overweight or obese (2017-18). Of those, 36 per cent were overweight but not obese, and 31 percent were obese. That’s around 12.5 million adults.
Men had higher rates of overweight and obesity than women (75 per cent of men and 60 per cent of women), and higher rates of obesity (33 per cent of men and 30 per cent of women).
Figures for the Sunshine Coast are only marginally better, showing 60.3 per cent of adults here were overweight or obese, a Progress in Australian Regions report (2018) says.
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To help turn the problem around, registrations are now open for Sunshine Coast residents to hop, skip and jump into a variety of activities on offer when Healthy Sunshine Coast kicks-off this season.
Registration is free but essential and once signed up residents will be notified directly when a range of low-cost activities around the region become available.
Now in its sixth year, Healthy Sunshine Coast is an affordable and holistic health and wellbeing program focusing on moving well, eating well, sleeping well, thinking well and connecting well with others.
Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said the line-up of low-cost activities had something for everyone.
“Classes are entry-level, low to medium impact fitness and wellbeing activities and designed for all ages and abilities,” Cr Law said.
“Local community groups, individuals and businesses have submitted their interest to run a number of health and wellbeing activities including yoga, tai chi, aqua and group fitness sessions.
“Register your interest now to join Healthy Sunshine Coast! It is a great opportunity to try something new, be healthy and active.”
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare statistics show that weight gain is a bigger problem as you get older. Obesity is more common in older age groups – with 16 per cent of adults aged 18–24 were obese, compared with 41 per cent of adults aged 65–74.
The program aims to encourage:
- positive mental health and resilience.
- regular physical activity.
- healthy eating.
- strong social connections.
- participation across all ages and abilities.
Once people have completed this one-off registration, they will be able to join in the range of low-cost activities on offer once finalised.
You will receive email updates on when classes begin, and information on how to book. Please note, if you have registered in the past, you will need to re-register.
For more information, visit the Sunshine Coast Council website.
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