RESIDENTS could do worse than sign up to the Eat It To Beat It program aimed at tackling the problems of the overweight and obese.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The latest warning about the dangers of being obese is it has a higher cancer risk than smoking.
Being overweight can also lead to a wide range of chronic diseases and premature death. Medical costs are 30 per cent higher for the obese.
The rates for overweight and obesity are increasing and the problem grows with geographic remoteness and lower socio-economic status, according to reports.
Weight is something that the individual can control by changing eating habits and their lifestyle.
Cancer Council NSW is now pushing its Eat It To Beat It program in Western NSW where 79 per cent of people are overweight or obese.
The program aims to educate people on the importance of a healthy diet and is used in schools.
The council also aims to get to the adults and make them think about the importance of the food their children are eating and being positive role models.
Parents need to get the children into good life habits.
The problem is growing but families and communities can overcome it by making better, healthier choices.
Governments and health workers can - and will - fight the medical problems.
But, residents can help themselves and head off illness by sticking to healthy diets and exercising. It really is that simple.