Recently, Zurich Australia has released their statistics relating to the ‘New Smoker’ - FAT.

We all know obesity levels have risen, and what that means for our health, but have you actually seen the statistics? This comes directly from a Life Insurance Company, which is one of the larger organisations in Australia, so it would be an idea to take note of these confirmed statistics:

1. Over a third of Zurich death claims are a DIRECT result of cardiovascular disease - Cardiovascular Disease is the most common of deaths in Australia, and is an obvious link to the rising levels of obesity, which is one of the leading causes of heart disease.

2. Obesity Levels have risen during the past year - in 2009, 54% of the population was overweight compared to 50% in 2008. Obesity is measured by the Body Mass Index (BMI). Anyone with a BMI of 25 or greater is considered overweight. To find out what your BMI is, CLICK HERE. Don’t shoot the messenger as I am only sending factual information.

3. The perception of obesity is falling - in 2009, one in 6 obese Aussies believed their weight met health guidelines compared to one in 9 in 2008. It’s surprising to see that as the rate of obesity rises, along with awareness and education, many people are becoming less astute at realisingthey’re at a dangerous weight.

4. Diabetes is Australia’s fastest growing chronic disease - Obesity is a leading cause of Type 2 diabetes, which is not fatal (it’s one of the Top 10 underlying causes of death), but can cause permanent disability.

5. Men are more likely to be overweight than women - A staggering 67% of Aussie men (aged 25 yrs +) are overweight. Aussie women are doing better at 52% but that still leaves more than half the female population with an unhealthy weight issue. (Ladies, this will give you some ammunition for the men in your life that you have been telling!)