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Canberra Today 12°/16° | Saturday, March 30, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Weight shock: the Gen X fatties

ALMOST half of generation X women are now overweight or obese, according to a new Heart Foundation survey.

The result of this is a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers.

The Heart Foundation surveyed more than 2500 women aged 30-44 about their height and weight, and found that 49 per cent of participants self-reported height and weight measurements that gave them a body mass index in the overweight or obese range.

The heart-health charity is so concerned by the findings that it is launching a new campaign, Mums United, to galvanise Australian families to take small, easy steps towards a healthier lifestyle and ultimately achieve a healthy weight.

“Tackling our expanding weight problem needs to be the country’s top priority, which is why we’re urging Australian families to get behind Mums United and work with us to create a healthier shaped Australia,” says Dr Lyn Roberts, National CEO of the Heart Foundation.

“Everyone knows that it’s important to eat a balanced diet and be active, but many of us struggle to achieve this healthier lifestyle.

“Australians – and mums in particular – are constantly being bombarded with information on how to be healthy, but so much of it gets dumped in the ‘too hard basket’ because it is complicated, confusing or contradictory.

“The reality is that small, easy changes really do add up to make a big difference to your family’s health – join Mums United at heartfoundation.org.au/mumsunited and we will show you how.

“We know that women tend to worry more about their children, partner and parents than themselves, but actually one of the best ways for mums to improve their family’s health is to put themselves first and focus on their own health.

“Visit heartfoundation.org.au/mumsunited for quick, low-cost healthy recipes and lots of other practical tips and tools to help you and your family take the first steps towards achieving and maintaining a healthy weight,” Dr Roberts says.

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Thank you,

Ian Meikle, editor

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