Research Proposal: A Study of Obesity in Australia University

This research proposal investigates the public health problem of obesity in Australia, focusing on New South Wales, South Australia, and Queensland to determine which state has the highest prevalence among adults. It aims to explore the relationship between increasing obesity rates, awareness, costs, and prevention strategies. The research compares obesity levels across different genders, ages, and sociodemographic factors such as race, ethnicity, education, and economic background, utilizing data from international, Australian government, and state reports. The proposal also addresses the direct correlation between rising obesity rates and gender differences, while highlighting gaps in previous research and suggesting avenues for future investigation.

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RESEARCH PROPOSAL
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Abstract
The spot light of this research is to ensure effective research on the public health problem in
Australia. The purpose is to find the states, which has the highest prevalence of obesity, For this
research, the selected states of Australia are, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland.
This project’s aim refers to explore the relationship of increasing obesity in the Australian adults
and increase the awareness, cost and prevention of obesity. The research work makes sure to
compare and examine the obesity levels in adults of different genders, different age, in
association to various sociodemographic data such as race/ethnicity, education & economical
background, body image, etc. that are recorded in the International, Australian Government and
State, /territory reports. Subsequently, the research determines the direct relation of increasing
obesity in the Australian adults and the difference in the rates of obesity among men & women.
Additionally, the loopholes of previous research are highlighted and the identified gaps are filled.
Keywords:
Obesity, New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland

Table of Contents
1. Introduction.............................................................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Aim of the Research............................................................................................................................................ 2
1.2 Scope of the problem........................................................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Research Questions............................................................................................................................................. 2
1.4 Objective............................................................................................................................................................. 2
2. Literature Review..................................................................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Search Strategies................................................................................................................................................. 3
2.2 Inclusion Criteria................................................................................................................................................ 4
2.3 Sociodemographic characteristics and obesity.....................................................................................................4
2.3.1 Race /Ethnicity........................................................................................................................................... 4
2.3.2 Age............................................................................................................................................................. 5
2.3.3 Sex/Gender................................................................................................................................................. 5
2.3.4 Body image................................................................................................................................................ 5
2.3.5 Economic................................................................................................................................................... 6
2.4 Obesity in Australia............................................................................................................................................. 6
2.4.1 Response Rate............................................................................................................................................ 6
2.4.2 Prevalence of recent obesity among adults..................................................................................................7
2.4.3 Prevalence of recent obesity among children...............................................................................................8
2.5 Gap in the Literature Review.............................................................................................................................. 8
3. Research design, methodology and methods..............................................................................................................9
4. A description of the type of data being gathered and from which sources...................................................................9
5. Research Analysis..................................................................................................................................................... 9
6. Conclusion.............................................................................................................................................................. 17
References-total 30 to 40-APA (20)..................................................................................................................................17

1. Introduction
For each individual, health plays a major role to overcome medical complications.
Especially, overweight and obesity has major risk for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes,
cardiovascular disease, psychological issues, musculoskeletal conditions and certain cancers.
With the increase of weight, the risk of developing these medical conditions increases. It can
even slow down the capacity of an individual to control the chronic conditions. The excess body
weight is denoted as overweight and obesity, who are likely to have higher rates of death. The
Body Mass Index scale (BMI) is used for measuring the weight of an individual. If an individual
is obese then, his/her BMI will be at 30 or more.
In Australia, the rates of overweight and obesity are continuing to surge, thus it is crucial
to gather associated information, to manage the related health issues. This research ensures to
discuss the public health problems in Australia, where obesity is the main consideration. For this
research, the selected states of Australia are, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland.
The purpose is to find the Australian states, which has the highest prevalence of obesity. The
research work requires comparison and examining the obesity levels in adults of different
genders, different age, in association to various sociodemographic data such as race/ethnicity,
education & economical background, body image, etc. The recorded data from the International,
Australian Government and State, /territory reports are utilized for carrying out this research.
Simultaneously, the research must determines the direct relation of increasing obesity in the
Australian adults and the difference in the rates of obesity among men & women.
In two decades the obesity level in Australia has doubled, according to the statistics of
2007 from the World Health Organization (WHO), and have be assumed too face health crisis.
The main reason for the increase in obesity is attributed to the poor eating habits which are
associated with the availability of fast food, sedentary lifestyles and decrease in the labour
workforce.
The reports of Obesity Society Australia state that, in the next few decades, if the rates of
obesity continue to grow at this current rate, then due to obesity, the health and economic cost
will surely increase to a high level. This can have a greater impact on the job productivity and
other related quality of living costs.
Thus, the health risk factors can be decreased by modifying the eating habits.
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1.1 Aim of the Research
This project aims to explore the relationship of increasing obesity in the Australian adults
and increase the awareness, cost and prevention of obesity.
1.2 Scope of the problem
The major problems of this project includes, the increasing obesity rate can increase the
medical complications, because of weight. The other factors that are prevailing in the Australian
mob is, the overweight and obese children and adult are more likely to have health complains
and suffer from anxiety, depression, bullying, enuresis, headaches and musculoskeletal pain.
1.3 Research Questions
The research questions are listed below:
1) Among three states (NSW, SA, QLD) which state has the highest prevalence of
obesity among Australian adults?
2) Is determinants of obesity directly related to increase prevalence of obesity in
Australian adults?
3) Is there any difference within the rates of obesity among men & women?
1.4 Objective
The objective of this research is to find the Australian states, which has the highest
prevalence of obesity. The research will compare and examine the obesity levels in adults of
different genders, different age, in association to various sociodemographic data such as
race/ethnicity, education & economical background, body image, etc. that are recorded in the
International, Australian Government and State, /territory reports. Subsequently, the research will
determine the direct relation of increasing obesity in the Australian adults and the difference in
the rates of obesity among men & women. Moreover, the loopholes of previous research will be
highlighted and how the identified gaps can be filled will be outlined.
2. Literature Review
Obesity is a state in which an excess amount of fat arises from a sustained energy
imbalance, accumulated in the body (WHO, 2016a). This imbalance often induces by disparities
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between energy gain through eating and drinking, and energy expended through physical activity
(AIHW, 2016a) (McLean et. al., 2016). Term ‘Obesity’, however, became a key area of research
all around the globe with 21st century’s introduction, in Australia, it became field of study since
introduction of nationally representative overweight data in 1980. In Australia, obesity is defined
by BMI, and person with BMI of 30kg/m2 or more can be considered as obese (AIHW, 2016).
Even after such strong efforts in defining term ‘obese’, a lack of comparability amongst survey
methodology and populations, has made it difficult to conclude for global and Australian obesity
prevalence. In Australia, such struggle became evident by poor systematic health monitoring of
populations belonging to distinct age groups and territories, as well as our impaired
comprehensive skills in recognizing parameters creating it (Huse et. al., 2018). Even though
aforementioned baseline idea of overall shifts in prevalence, there is a strong consensus that
regular, comprehensive, comparable and accurate monitoring is critical to priorities obesity
prevention and management strategies and to confidently identify changes over time (Huse, et.
al., 2018).
In following review, we synthesize the data defining prevalence of obesity among
genders of different age bracket, in association to various sociodemographic data such as
race/ethnicity, education & economical background, body image, etc. recorded in International,
Australian Government and State, /territory reports. Along with that, we try to highlight the
loopholes of previous research and outline the need to fill up such identified gap.
2.1 Search Strategies
Assessing obesity among male and female genders of different age group requires
detailed database review, which in this literature review accomplished by applying
comprehensive, systemic and computerized search. To conduct such, distinct medical resources
are explored, which includes Torrens university database, PubMed, (including Medline),
Embase, BIOSIS Preview and Google scholar for the period of 1990 to current. Along with
these, Australian government & state government websites of NSW, QLD & SA are also being
referenced. In this paper, to examine socio demographic characteristics of obesity, distinct search
strategies involving key words and medical terminologies has been opted. The terms that applied
during search are as follow: Obesity, overweight, Body Mass Index, Calorie intake, waist-hip
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ratio, waist circumference, gender, male, female, age, sex, education, migration background and
ethnicity, religious affiliation, marital status, household, employment, and income, obesity
epidemic.
2.2 Inclusion Criteria
This study incorporated the reports and articles that freely detailed total information from
broadly representative and state-specific Australian studies with measured stature and weight,
conducted since 1995. To answer the objective of this broadly representative and state specific
Australian studies, we gone to all of the key national and state wellbeing and insights websites
recognizing pertinent studies. Studies were relevant for incorporation as the bodyweight
categories concurring to BMI is freely accessible from reports. For different age brackets, as it
was studies that detailed age specific BMI, cut-offs were included, to facilitate comparability for
national wellbeing (NHS, 2014/2015). We moreover allude to a few, state-specific, major studies
in pertinent investigations. We have detailed on broadly agent and state-specific Australian
overview with self-reported.
2.3 Sociodemographic characteristics and obesity
2.3.1 Race /Ethnicity
Race refers to the physiological subgroups that are characterized by the biological aspects
in human populations while ethnicity refers to the different culture and subcultures that exist in
human societies (Utter et al., 2010). When there is existence of these two aspects: race and
ethnicity in a larger population, body weight differences tend to be observed (Stevenson et al.,
2018). Studies show different ethnic patterns in body weight and obesity with minority
populations experiencing the highest occurrence of obesity. In Australia, the obesity is high
among the Aboriginal population than the non-aboriginal population (Jackson, 2017). Possible
explanations to this pattern are that most of the Aboriginal are poor and unable to afford more
than three meals per day; therefore, they tend to skip some meals especially breakfast and lunch.
The feeding pattern makes the supper to be made in excess, hence they over consume food. The
large consumption leads to deposit of the excess nutrients and fats in the body increasing the
body weight.
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2.3.2 Age
Age, chronological time from the time of birth, is identified as a key variant defining
obesity due to its biological and psychosocial influence over individuals weight (Hayes, Kortt,
Clarke, & Brandrup, J. 2008) Biological correlation can become evident by raising body weight
with persons growth and declining in later stage of the person’s life and psychosocial became
evident by community class (Pérez, et., al., 2016). In Australians, age trends remain same and
adults shows the highest obese people.
2.3.3 Sex/Gender
Sex refers ascribed biological status of being either a female or male, based on
reproductive function of human body. Gender, by contrast, refers to the social status of being a
man or a woman, based on psych-sociocultural definition of masculinity and femininity (Short,
Yang, & Jenkins, 2013). Sex/Gender ratio has demonstrated a great correlation with the obesity
(Mauvais-Jarvis, 2017, p.9). For instance, biological construction of female dimorphisms,
buildups more fat in their body compare to same of males (Mauvais-Jarvis, 2017, p.9). This
structural buildup makes, female a more common victim of obesity. However, in Australia,
percentage obesity remains high among males compare to females, since last two decades, and
such trend will remain continue for next decade. The data recorded in Obesity Australia’s report
‘Obesity: A National Epidemic and its Impact on Australia’ became reference to this notion. As
per report, in 1995, 63.8% male and 48.8% were reported as obese, and this figure will reach to
37.4% & 73.6% in 2025 (Jason, L. & John, F. (2014).
2.3.4 Body image
Body image refers to the perception of others on the body size, and it has been a great
concern to many individuals in the world, especially among individuals in adolescence. This
trend is also recognized among Australian adults (Weinberger, Kersting, Riedel-Heller, & Luck-
Sikorski, 2017). However, Australian aboriginals still outweigh this trend, and continuously
remain negligent towards their body image, shape and size changes and poor body maintenance
(Cinelli, & O’Dea, 2009). Therefore, with context to body image, aboriginals in all three stages
of life accumulates the larger portion of obe se population (Cinelli, & O’Dea, 2009).
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2.3.5 Economic
Economic status significantly drove the obesity epidemic, and it frequently highlights in
one or other ways. Firstly, financial soundness may precipitate various other parameters linked to
obesity such as Jung food consumption, over utilization of automobile and technological
advancements (Roland, & Ruopeng, 2015). Secondly, Affluent in most cases, follows a low or no
physical activity in their daily routines. Physical activity plays a significant role in controlling
weight as it burnouts excess fat deposited on the body, controls appetite rate and food
consumption (Lacy et al., 2015). This poor diet, & sedimentary lifestyle associated to affluence
are defined as prime contributors of obesity all around the world (Swinburne et. al., 2011). As
being an economically developed nation, influence of such triggers remains quite common
among Australian individuals. Influence of such, even after awareness campaigns and
governments efforts, still pinpoint by Australia’s third rank in obesity (A.I.H.W, 2018).
2.4 Obesity in Australia
2.4.1 Response Rate
Different obesity data for adults and children are reviewed separately from relevant
survey data across Australia. The data were analysed from whole Australia as well as relevant
state and territory from 1995 till 2014/15. Recent data from National Heath survey (NHS)
2014/15 presents the point prevalence of obesity across Australia with total sample of 20,426
persons from all ages. In addition, we also reviewed the data published by Australian bureau of
statistics, Queensland survey, western Australia survey and New South Wales survey.While
comparing the response rate between National Health survey 1995 and 2015, it has drastically
increased by 23% i.e. from 59% to 82%. Similarly, the survey conducted by Abbott et al (2008)
on Queensland children reveals that overall response rate from Queensland for each survey tool
was 54%.In addition, the overall response rate of 57% was found from the report of New South
Wales survey within statewide children (Hardy et. al, 2010). Furthermore, there is strong
willingness of Western Australian adults to respond to be part of survey and is above 80% in
2016 (Radomiljac, Joyce and Powell, 2017).
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Analysis of variation in response rate of sample within different state shows the highest
response rate of 91.3% in Tasmania and lowest response rate of 68.5% in Northern Territory
(National Health Survey, 2014/15).
2.4.2 Prevalence of recent obesity among adults
According to WHO (2018), in 2016, 39% of adults aged 18 and over were overweight
and 13 % of world adult population was obese. The prevalence rate of obesity nearly tripled
between the year 1975 and 2016 throughout the worldwide. Similarly, according to this recent
National Health survey (2014/15), 63.4% of Australian adults were living with obesity and
overweight, with just under half of them living in obesity i.e. 28%. In Australia, there is 9% of
increase in the prevalence rate of obesity i.e. from 19% to 28% in the year 1995 and 2014/15
respectively (Australian Government, 2018).
In 2014/15, almost 2 out of 3 Australian adults were obese or overweight in Australia i.e.
they had a Body Mass Index exceeding 30.0 kg/m2. According to Birch (2015), at the time these
figures represented about 5 million Australian’s who had attained the majority age; the same
study indicated the number of men who were obese was very high. The statistics according to
this study indicate that over 2 million men living in Australia at the time were obese. These
figures are representative of about 28% of the total adult male population. At the same time,
about 2.5 million Australian women were reported to be obese-the figure being representative of
27 % of the total female population (Walls et al. 2012). Starting off at 57% in 1995, it grew to
61% in the period 2007-2008, and crossed into 63% in the year 2011-2012 (Opie et al. 2017).
Similarly, Opie et al. (2017) mentioned that at the same time, 42% of men were overweight, with
28% on obesity, while 29% of women were overweight but not obese. The same study accounts
that the comparison of adult males and females who were just obese stood at 28% for men versus
27% for men. This study revealed a worrying trend in the development of obesity among
Australian citizens over the years from 1995 to 2015. Considering every 2-yearinterval in the
period of just a decade, obesity has had a steady rate of increase. Similarly, NHS (2014/15)
reported that men had high prevalence of obesity and overweight than women and the prevalence
rate high with increase in age. The results show that obesity and overweight is one of the primary
public health complications affecting Australian adults (Maher, 2010).
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According to the National Health Survey (2014/15) conducted in different state and
territory, Tasmania had highest prevalence rate of obesity and overweight i.e. 32.3% and 67.5%
respectively and the Australian Capital Territory had lowest prevalence of obesity and
overweight.
2.4.3 Prevalence of recent obesity among children
According to this recent national health survey, 27.6% of Australian children were living
with overweight and 7.4% living with obesity. Similarly, Australian Institute of Health and
Welfare (2018) reported 1 in 4 Australian children aged 2 to 17 were obese and overweight in
2014/15.A part from just the age, the study also established a pattern in the trends of obesity as
observed among cohorts. The word cohort in this context is used to mean a group of children
who are born at about the same time. According to Nghiem & Khanam, (2016), the trend was
arrived based on the BMIs of the children as recorded in different years. It shows that between
the ages of 10-13 and 14-17 young adolescents were at greater risk of developing obesity in
2014-2015; the risk being far much higher than it was among their cohorts 20 years ago (Shaw,
2016). For children with obesity, the risk of developing obesity during age bracket 2-4 in 2014-
2015 was twice as likely to develop obesity as their counterparts that were born in 1995
(Gibsonet al. 2016).
According to statistics that can be accessed from this study, the prevalence of obesity
among children has been on steady incline just like it has been seen in adults. In 1995, the
percentage of children (i.e. of age bracket 5-17) with obesity was 21%. As submitted by Lacy et
al. (2015), between the years 2007-2008, the figures rose to 25%. From that moment the
prevalence of obesity among children and young adolescents has been stable averaging 26% in
2011/2012. A slight increase was however recorded between the years 2014-2015 where the
prevalence rose to 27%. Similarly, there is increase in prevalence of obesity and obese among
Australian children with increase in age and the overall obesity and overweight rate of boys is
6.6% and 21.9% respectively, female child is 8.2% and 18.2% respectively (National Health
survey, 2014/15).
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According to the National Health Survey (2014/15) conducted in different state and
territory, Northern territory had highest prevalence of obesity rate of 12.3% and lowest rate of
5.5% by the Australian capital territory.
2.5 Gap in the Literature Review
Literature review suggests that there has been different research conducted in Australia to
explore the obesity and link between socio demographic factors. It is also clear that there are
numerous research conducted and report published about the prevalence and trends of obesity
differing by age, sex and state/territory. Similarly, there are particular survey report about
Queensland children survey (2008), New South Wales children survey (2010) and Southern
Australia adults (2017) survey. However, there is no information or research conducted to
compare among obesity of Australian adults between Tasmania, Queensland and Southern
Australia, as there is high prevalence rate of obesity and overweight of Australian adults within
those states/territory. Hence, we would like to further explore obesity in these three states and
compare Australian adults between focus groups with gender and age differences.
3. Research design, methodology and methods
1. Pearson Correlation
2. Chi- square test
3. One-sample Test
4. Linear Regression
5. Descriptive Statistics
4. A description of the type of data being gathered and from which sources
Data exercise manuals showing the most recent Social Health Atlases of Australia are
accessible by Population Health Area, Local Government Area and Primary Health Network for
the entire of Australia. Data are likewise accessible by Quintile of Socioeconomic Disadvantage
of Area and Remoteness Area, and for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populace. PHA
limits have been refreshed to mirror the 2016 ASGS. Where PHA limits have changed
somewhere in the range of 2011 and 2016, the data for non-Census pointers have been made
utilizing an Australian Bureau of Statistics SA2 correspondence dependent on 2011 populace
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