WA adults more active but heavier

New data from the 2009 Physical Activity Taskforce Adult Survey show West Australian adults are increasing their physical activity, yet there are an increasing proportion of people above a healthy weight.
Currently, 60% of adults are active enough for good health, which is a four per cent increase in 10 years.
During that time, there has been an increase in the prevalence of adult overweight and obesity levels from 44 to 55%.
Western Australian Sport and Recreation Minister and Chair of the Physical Activity Taskforce, Terry Waldron, said the increase in physical activity outcomes was positive, but it was concerning overweight and obesity was on the increase.
Minister Waldron stated âwe are very pleased that West Australians are listening to the physical activity message and are getting more active.
âPhysical activity has huge benefits for health and improves physical and mental wellbeing, quality of life, social interaction and life expectancy.
âThe increase in adult overweight and obesity levels is alarming, and is a reminder that increasing physical activity will only curb part of this problem.�?
Minister Waldron said healthy active lifestyles and healthy eating were equally important to stabilise the increasing numbers of adults above a healthy weight, adding âit is important to maintain our focus on the prevention of disease through increasing physical activity to reduce the impact on the health budget and to have a better quality of life.�?
The Physical Activity Taskforce was established in 2001 to oversee the development and delivery of a whole-of-government and whole-of-community approach to increasing physical activity levels in WA. It comprises Government, non-government, academic and local government agencies.
Copies of the 2009 Physical Activity Adult Survey report can be downloaded from

http://www.beactive.wa.gov.au