Childhood Obesity And Overweight Politicians

A furore has erupted in Australia this week following the results of a recent study into childhood obesity rates.

The report suggests that the increase in rates of childhood obesity has slowed to a crawl across the board over recent years.

As a result, it has been suggested that money being spent on the problem could be better spent elsewhere.

Claims of hysteria have been traded, with childhood obesity being labeled a myth by some

Commonwealth and State health ministers labeled obesity an epidemic in 2003.

The latest figures suggest that the overall rate has risen from 6 percent in 2000, to 6.8 percent in 2006.

Researchers note that the increase was not statistically significant.

However, when the figures are broken down, it appears that the rate of obesity among low-income boys almost doubled from 5.4 per cent in 2000 to 9.3 per cent, and rose from 3.9per cent to 6.8 per cent among low income girls in the same period.

Sources: The Australian and ABC News

Is It A Matter Of Education?

So maybe the problem is as much a matter of economics as it is of education?

As is often the case with governments, the Australian government likes to throw money into education programs to teach us all how to live better lives.

Perhaps their energies, and our money would be better spent in creating an environment where people could earn more, and where interest rate hikes weren’t cutting into the family budget.

Since Mr Rudd and his party came to power, we have had a lot of studies and promises, but very little action.

In the meantime, the price of fuel continues to rise, increasing the cost of everything else as well!

Will The Government Listen?

Probably not, but if things keep going the way they are, they will get the message via the ballot box.

In the meantime, it would be nice to see some of our politicians set an example by slimming down a bit!

Adult obesity is a far greater problem than childhood obesity, and if politicians took the lead in a healthier lifestyle and losing weight, it might encourage others.

This article was first published on: Jun 1, 2008

Why not read: What if I hold a party, and nobody comes?