Ausveg: OECD report a warning to over weight Australians

Australians are the fourth fattest country behind the USA, Mexico and New Zealand, according to results of a study released by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) last week that indicated a hefty 28.3 per cent of Aussie adults are obese.

The peak body for vegetable and potato growers, Ausveg, has voiced its concern over the findings of the OECD report, Health at a Glance 2013, stating that Australians need to take a long, hard look at their eating habits and incorporate more fresh vegetable produce into their diets.

“It is disturbing to learn that more than a quarter of the Australian population – approximately 6.5 million people – is now obese. Vegetables are an integral part of a well-balanced lifestyle, and as previous research has shown can play an important role in weight management,” said Ausveg spokesperson, Cameron Brown.

“All Australians need to be actively involved in reducing the burden of obesity on the health care system by revisiting their eating habits. The OECD’s report is a stark reminder of the need for many Australians to consider the food they’re consuming.”

“We encourage consumers to incorporate more Australian-grown, nutritious vegetables into their diets. You’re not only helping yourself, but also the thousands of farming families across the nation who work hard to feed our nation,” said Mr Brown.

For more information:
Hugh Gurney
Ausveg
Tel: +61 (03) 9882 0277
E-mail: hugh.gurney@ausveg.com.au