Posted by on 15 Aug 2013
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Sign UpObesity in New Zealand and Australia
Obesity has been an ongoing topic of discussion in Australia, and recently has
become a major issue in New Zealand, outrunning even smoking. Will current
eating habits create an ailing generation and deteriorate the gene pool? What
more can be done to adress the obesity issue and encourage people stay healthy?
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[0] [0]
Carcharias taurus
Maybe we should take a leaf out of previous generations' book. Cook meals from scratch and walk (or run if you must!) instead of getting into the car. Simple suggestions, but most people see this as just too hard!
Posted by Carcharias taurus on 01 Oct 2013
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[1] [0]
Occi
I have taken the time to read some of the statements thoughts and reasons below. yes most are correct. I grew up in a place where Dad grew our own vegies and fruit. There was little money as I had two brothers and two sisters one of which was affected by spineabifita YES no assistance in those days and this lovely person paralysed from the waist down and a huge head because of the fluid lived with care for 17 years. Not much money and we still were looked after and survived. In preparing the meats which were cooked in fat /dripping was probably a good thing as when I moved away from home I elected to never cook like that again I grilled my meat. and I still kept up the healthy vegetables and fruit. You see Nothing happens unless you make it happen. You are in charge of what goes into your mouth ,how lazy you are and what you do to your body. CUT OUT THE GARBAGE FOOD. GO FOR WALKS EVERY DAY, GET AWAY FROM THE T.V AND COMPUTER. GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY, GET AN INTEREST and STOP FEELING SORRY FOR YOUR SELF.
Posted by Occi on 01 Sep 2013
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[0] [0]drainpipe
it meakes me sad to see ppl with a weight problem, because as adult its choice, as a child its neglect by a adult
Posted by drainpipe on 01 Sep 2013
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[2] [0]ToorookaDeb
Our local council has started up a Health Moves group that is free to join & caters for all ages. i wish i could join but some days I can hardly walk around the house. I try to eat healthy foods but the Steroids have really blown me up. I can remember at school that there was only one overweight kid in the class but now they are everywhere you look. I blame it on a sedentary lifestyle of computers & DVDs instead of the physical games like skipping & running & sport. Also we did not have access to all the processed foods that are around today. Hot chips were a treat & we ate a lot more fruit then. I think something has to be done so we can reduce the incidents of obesity especially in children which lead to serious health problems like diabetes & heart disease. We owe it to the new generation to allow them to live long & healthy lives. I heard a world health doctor saying that we are now living longer than ever but if the trend continues the younger generation will start dying at an earlier age due to obesity & the health related problems this causes. I don't want to see our young people "fall off the perch" because we are setting bad examples in eating habits & recreational habits. It will take greater brains than mine to solve this problem but we must all do what we can to try & curb this problem.
Posted by ToorookaDeb on 31 Aug 2013
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[0] [1]ieveryone
let's yes let's go far field, in the perencity that what we precieve has not just arrived on our door step today. Our issue's know matter what contribute to what is today, the ramification of yesterday is prevlent now, fixing issue's way beyound our mean's cause the very issue's we struggle with today. Solution? To much expectation on such little knowledge. Although a great believer in a regulative,ledgivstive commercialitive growth, their is a mightyer power of holiness.
Posted by ieveryone on 30 Aug 2013
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[2] [0]
Weasle
Surely as responsible adults we should b accountable what food we eat why should private health rates go up and up to cover the cost of other people's eating habits and once so over weight they except Medicare to cover their on going cost with the extra health issues
Posted by Weasle on 29 Aug 2013
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[0] [0]Acushla
Weasle Obese people have been found to have no healthy bacteria in their gut but Woolworths have stopped selling healthy Probiatic Bacteria foods so where can we buy them as I only have Woolworths where I live. Media has not reported this as they get income from advertisements.
Posted by Acushla on 01 Sep 2013
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[1] [0]Green Spaceman
Excessive alcohol consumption also plays a huge part in the obesity problem. Most people with a drinking problem would be totally unaware of the calories they are consuming and how it is contributing to their wieght problem.
Posted by Green Spaceman on 28 Aug 2013
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[1] [0]stude
well i can eat and trink anything and heaps of and i dont put on wait as i just work it off and hard
Posted by stude on 29 Aug 2013
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[0] [1]
mishiee56
stude, learn to write and spell.
Posted by mishiee56 on 29 Aug 2013
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[2] [0]Ghunda1
How can you promote a healthier society when the catch phrase of the day is "Fast food for those on the run" I have yet to see anyone run from Macdonalds or KFC during breakfast, lunch or dinner service's. What it boils down to are peoples inability to maintain self control. We can only blame big companies and food outlets so much and then the rest falls at pur own two feet. As Individuals, parents, caregivers etc we must look within ourselves and learn are we doing ourselves and families any good seeking the quick and easy fix or are we more inclined to killing ourselves?
Posted by Ghunda1 on 28 Aug 2013
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[1] [0]
hello angel
I believe it starts as a child, being taught that healthy food can be tasty and interesting is important, teaching a child it is okay to have a sweet but not to overindulge, all this applies for adults to but it is harder to break a life time of bad habits, emotional eating is also a problem,however if you have children it is a necessity to teach them about healthy eating and drinking, I also believe smoking and drinking applies within these principles
Posted by hello angel on 28 Aug 2013
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[3] [0]H squared
I work in health services and and there is no quick fix. I see what I call generational diseases, starting granddad who lost his job at 50 and this leads to depression - poor eating, no money, no motivation, poor role modelling, sadness, unemployment, change acceptance as to what is normal and then these things are perpetuated with the next generation and then skill lose, and obesity and depression along with many other health problems that come with these like cancers, cardiac disease, respiratory disease, family violence, lowered educational expectations as the young ones are home looking after the old ones as still loyal and love their family and the problems go on and on and on. We need to be able to support the younger ones to develop their own resilience and give them confidence that they are worthwhile and have a brain and can do. We have created the 'welfare society' so we need to support people to step out of it on their terms and be there to maintain the motiviation and desire to get more from life and enjoy.
Posted by H squared on 27 Aug 2013
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[2] [0]
naazmeen
People should eat healthy foods and exercise often to keep themselves healthy. In New Zealand many families rely on fast foods which leads to obesity as they have lots of fats. Eating healthy meals will keep you fit and you will also feel good.
Posted by naazmeen on 27 Aug 2013
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[3] [0]pinkf
when I was growing up there wasn't any of this talk on obesity guess macdonls ect wasnt around then, key word is moderation
Posted by pinkf on 26 Aug 2013
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[3] [3]
TurboCat
I think it's time people started taking responsibilty for their diets/eating/exercise habits. Nothing annoys me more than hearing obese people sook and cry about their weight & then eat something unhealthy or never exercise. Food is an additication (god Iam the first to admit that I have had problems with food & weight in the past), but it's not hard to eat healthy & get 60mins exercise a day...in fact its easy once you start! you feel better, your health improves, you look better, your moods are generally better and its easy to stick with something that makes you feel this great. Eating shit food and not exercising not only contributs to weight problems, but also is a known cause for depression & can lead to serious health problems...so why should my hard earned tax payer money get spent funding health care for ppl who make little effort to ensure they are healthy? Just seems so unfair...(geez I can hear the responses) and before you go thinking that i'm just another skinny girl who has never hadf a weight problem, you are so far wrong its not funny. I was a "skinny" kid who hit adulthood and has battled with, my weight for the past 10years...and I will have to monitor it for the rest of my life, but u know what...I'm doing it, i've done it & I'm never going to let myself become just another obese person who does nothing for their weight other than feel sorry for myself...medicare shouldn't gym meberships/nutrional related services...if you are old enough to have sex then you are old enough to know better...take responsiblity for what you do to your body & stop trying to make ur weight someone elses problem...high five to all the others out there who are making the effort to stay fit & heralthy, you people are my inspiration!
Posted by TurboCat on 26 Aug 2013
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[4] [0]
mum2two
I have a problem with obesity... I have finally started to make some progress after a few years of feeling pretty hopeless about the situation and that I would be this way forever. With all these silly diet fads around it is very hard to know what is right. And i've tried many of them, most work to some degree until you stop doing it then you become even fatter, and you generally feel pretty crappy whilst you're on them cause missing out on some kind of necessity e.g. carbs. Society / Government really needs to concentrate on education on what actually is healthy for a person (e.g. 2 and 5 campagin and food pyramid are awesome examples). for a healthy lifestyle, not a quick fix. Swap it don't stop it program also ok. Maybe what they should regulate if anything is the advertising for fad diets!!! That they have to pass a health / safety check before being allowed to advertise! Investing in prevention healthcare that teach people how to be healthy and give them the motivation and hope that they can accomplish things would be a cost saving thing for the government / tax payers, maybe an 'investment' in the future of australia! Unfortunately when in the situation that the government is in now prevention programs are the first services to cut, as they need to save money now. I'm only young now but if I cannot get my health under control I know my health care costs will increase in the future, as no doubt I'll end up with diabetes and heart problems and who knows what else! I recently attending a prevention program called 'Wisemove' that was run by a womens health organisation funded by the government. It has helped me out so much. Helped me to get a regular exercise program happening, which I am still doing / improving on a number of months later. Helped me to see ok not to have the perfect skinny body but it's more about being healthy. Helped me to learn what I needed to to be a healthy person for life, not just lose weight fast on a fad diet and then go back to the lifestyle that was causing the problem! Also helped me to feel ok that it was going to take a long time to get where I needed to but any positive steps in the right direction were good. I guess basically it gave me hope that I could do it and not to give up if I have a bad week but pick myself up and try again! I still have a major problem with food that I am trying to change one habit at a time but it feels so good to have a level of fitness now and I know I'm one step closer to a healthier me. I agree that people need to take responsibility for themselves, but sometimes they need a little help. Everyone has their crux and not everyone can afford to get help with it. I do see how people could feel that obesity (as smoking and many other things!) is a self inflicted problem, and often it is, but it's hard to find a way out sometimes without some assistance. Dribble done...
Posted by mum2two on 25 Aug 2013
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[6] [1]
aussienan
This is the trouble with this society always blame someone or something. People need to be responsible for their own actions. Just because there is a macdonalds store or kfc etc does not mean they are twisting your arm to eat there food same as the supermarkets had to stop placing chocolates etc near the register because mothers claimed they were too tempting for their children. learn to say no and mean it you are the adult. Kids will have anything if you give it to them. your the one responsible,say no. I agree with another comment it costs less to cook a meal at home than buy take away. so dont blame the food oulets try it cook at home have family time at home with your kids teach them how to cook
Posted by aussienan on 25 Aug 2013
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[3] [0]
Lami
With obesity there is often an underlying issue.. I am sure that we don't grow up wanting to be obese and die young. I say that people need to find out what the root of the problem is and then they can deal with their weight.. It would also help if healthy food was cheaper!!
Posted by Lami on 25 Aug 2013
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[3] [0]mishiee56
Fast food stops are one of the biggest problems. Macca's KFC, ect. They even have places in the USA. to see who can force down the biggest hamburger, or the largest steak. They are not that much different here in Australia or in New Zealand for that matter. It seems to me that they just want to stuff themselevs as full as they can. There are some people that have real problems with weight gains and keeping it off. However these other fools make it very hard for those people because it puts a nasty lable on those peole who have a genuine problem with weight. People see an over weight person and the first thing that they will say is, hey look at fatso etc.Or maybe they should sit further away from the table. It's hurtful and totally unnecessary for that kind of behaviour. Not every one who is large is just plain fat. There are other causes. To be honest I dont think that it will get any better, if anything it will get worse.
Posted by mishiee56 on 25 Aug 2013
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[6] [0]
Green Spaceman
The medicare system in this country needs to become more wholistic and start servicing the needs of the entire body as well as the mind. A perfect system would include more access to dental care, physiotherapists, nutritionists, psychologists and the list could go on. The focus needs to shift to a system of prevention and early intervention rather than cure after the fact. In the case of obesity issues let's start by applying the same rules to junk food companies as that of cigarette companies. Let's cut back on the advertising, ban the toys with meals and introduce plain packaging. There should also be rules limiting where these companies open up shop....classic example is that of the Tecoma community aggressively fighting McDonald's for plans to open a store opposite their school and kindergarten.
Posted by Green Spaceman on 23 Aug 2013
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[8] [0]
Kenneth E.
Fast Food Companies have one hell of a lot to answer for, but the ultimate responsibility is with parents, they are responsible for ensuring their children have a healthy diet, and in this respect too many are failing abysmally. Buying Macdonalds and KFC for childrens meals is not cheaper than preparing wholesome home cooked meals, is is just less hassle.
Posted by Kenneth E. on 24 Aug 2013
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[2] [0]
Green Spaceman
Yes you are absolutely right...but it is a multi-factorial problem and shoud be tackled on many levels. Building a fast food outlet opposite a school means that these kids are exposed to an environment where for around 30hrs a week they are being conditioned to the aroma of fried food. It is almost as if their brains are being programmed for consumption. Through the senses of sight, smell and hearing it is what they come to know as their daily routine.....this is where pressure on parents begins and can often be difficult to control regardless of how well meaning they are. Parents need governement support as well as the support of the community in combating the obesity issue. This means removing fast food outlets from locations where children have high exposure and are obviously being targeted at ground level.
Posted by Green Spaceman on 24 Aug 2013
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[4] [5]
Moomo
diets/gyms/personal trainers should be covered by medicare if the individual is obese.
Posted by Moomo on 23 Aug 2013
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[0] [1]
Robert
if you want to eat fatty foods and get fat thats your problem not the health cares.Ok fresh vegs are not cheep.But you cant blame the goverment for you getting fat
Posted by Robert on 30 Aug 2013
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[2] [0]Jasmine
I disagree, UNLESS it is a 'medical issue'...like gland problems or some other disease. People need to realise they just need to burn off the calories they put in and then they will not have a weight problem. When are people going to take responsibility for their weight? It's not hard, it is as easy as avoiding bad foods and burning off what you put in.
Posted by Jasmine on 26 Aug 2013
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[8] [4]
Kenneth E.
The Medicare budget is stretched more than enough, people should take responsibility for their own lives and lifestyle, not expect the taxpayer to fund the repair of self inflicted obesity problems. Far too many people believe that the Government should pay for just about everything that affects their lives. It is time to reflect on the simple truth that the Government has no money, it is the people's money, it is our taxes, it's the government charges and levies we pay, such as the medicare levy. Six years of irresponsible stewardship by the Rudd and Gillard Labor governments has seen a Government debt of 300 Billion dollars, with a 13 Billion Dollar interest bill, and they propose to go on running deficits, well tyhey are mortgaging our childrens future, and the only way to restore strength to our National economy is for he Government to spend less and spend more wisely and start paying off this herrendous public debt. Australia is still relatively economically strong compared to the European Basket case economies, but our long term financial security has been grossly undermined by constant deficits. Neither of the major parties is prepared to be honest with the Australian people about our true economic situation, and neither is prepared to addresss the problem honestly at this time. Wanting the Taxpayer to fund every aspect of our lives is not on - it is time for individuals to take responsibilty for themselves and live a healthy lifestyle rather than expect the taxpayer to pick up the tab for their unhealthy lifestyles.
Posted by Kenneth E. on 24 Aug 2013
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[5] [0]
Ozartblue
I have been getting assistance from my local hospital with physio, nutritionist and psychologist. It's working well, slowly but consistently.
Posted by Ozartblue on 22 Aug 2013
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