WESTERN NSW health authorities are promoting a free telephone-based service in their bid to solve an obesity crisis and reduce chronic disease that accounts for 46 per cent of preventable deaths in the region.
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The NSW Get Health Information and Coaching Service has been showcased to health professionals at events in Dubbo and Bourke to increase awareness of it and boost referrals to it.
A roadshow helped them discover firsthand the "effectiveness" of the service and how health staff could better utilise it for clients and their communities, reports health promotion officer with the Western NSW Local Health District Karen Lloyd.
"The Get Healthy service aims to reduce the risk of individuals developing chronic diseases," she said.
"Chronic diseases, in particular cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic lower respiratory diseases and lifestyle-related cancers, affect many within our communities and account for 46 per cent of preventable deaths within the Western NSW Local Health District," she said.
Ms Lloyd said evaluation of the Get Healthy service showed that participants who completed the six-month program lost an average 3.9kgs and 5cm off their waist.
"In addition to losing weight, participants also increased their physical activity levels, ate more fruit and vegetables and decreased the amount of sweetened drinks consumed daily," she said.
"These are encouraging results as we all try to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases within our communities."
Latest National Health Performance Authority data shows 79 per cent of Western NSW residents are overweight and obese, making the region the fattest in Australia.
Director of primary care at the Western NSW Medicare Local Stephen Mann said the service would be a "turning point for many".
Speakers who took part in the roadshow included obesity and mental health experts.
It is a partnership between the Ministry of Health, Western NSW Local Health District and Western NSW and Far West Medicare Locals.
The Get Healthy Coaching and Information Service is considered ideal for people living in rural communities who need and want professional advice and direction.
The service's telephone number is 1300 806 258.
It is a response to National Health Performance Authority figures showing 79 per cent of the regional community is overweight and obese.
