Environmental Health Report on Obesity in Australia

This report examines the environmental health implications of obesity in Australia. It begins by highlighting the prevalence of obesity, referencing statistical data that underscores the severity of the issue. The report then delves into the causes of obesity, including factors such as lifestyle choices, genetic predispositions, and societal influences. It also addresses the health consequences of obesity and discusses potential solutions. These solutions include strategies for weight management, such as lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and public health interventions. The report emphasizes the importance of addressing this health crisis and highlights the need for proactive measures to combat the growing prevalence of obesity in Australia. The report draws upon existing research and provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of obesity and its impact on public health.

Running head: INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Introduction to Environmental Health
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INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
The circumstances that pose suitable conditions for a person to thrive, grow, perform and
age are referred to as social determinants of health. Health behaviors may be identified as a
proximate social determinant that is of particular significance in the context of environmental
health issue. The metabolic syndrome of overweight and obesity has gained an epidemic status in
Australia thwarting a bulk proportion of the native population that calls for prompt and prudent
interventions to combat the situation (Rahman and Harding 2013). The health indicators of body
mass index (BMI) alongside other valid markers have revealed the alarming state of the
condition pertaining to excessive fat accumulation inside the body that accentuates the risk for
acquiring other chronic health conditions. Data estimated the prevalence of overweight or
obesity among 11.2 million Australian adults accounting for 63% of the population in 2014-15
(Aihw.gov.au 2017). Empirical findings have attributed the risks for obesity to personality traits
that predispose an individual to develop co-morbidities and associated health threats in relation
to social, economic, demographic and lifestyle variables (Avsar, Ham and Tannous 2017).
Therefore, propositions have been made with respect to employing and reinforcing suitable
interventions that cater to these aspects and aid in fostering healthy lifestyle modifications
thereby mitigating the rising obesity trends in Australia. Obesity management has been
recommended through promotion of physical activity and healthy dietary pattern in the
vulnerable population (Dietz et al. 2015). Thus, it is evident that health behavior is intimately
associated with prevention and management of obesity.

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INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
References
Aihw.gov.au 2017. Australia’s health 2016. [online] Aihw.gov.au. Available at:
http://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=60129556760 [Accessed 19 Aug.
2017].
Avsar, G., Ham, R. and Tannous, W.K., 2017. Factors influencing the incidence of obesity in
Australia: a generalized ordered probit model. International journal of environmental research
and public health, 14(2), p.177.
Dietz, W.H., Baur, L.A., Hall, K., Puhl, R.M., Taveras, E.M., Uauy, R. and Kopelman, P., 2015.
Management of obesity: improvement of health-care training and systems for prevention and
care. The Lancet, 385(9986), pp.2521-2533.
Rahman, A. and Harding, A., 2013. Prevalence of overweight and obesity epidemic in Australia:
some causes and consequences. JP Journal of Biostatistics, 10(1), p.31.