Federal Health Minister Bridget McKenzie has given up sugar “at least for February”.
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She’s taking part in febfast which raises money for Victoria’s Youth Support and Advocacy Service and other services helping disadvantaged youth including the Ted Noffs Foundation in Sydney.
Participants either hit “pause for a cause” on the likes of sugar and alcohol, or commit to becoming more physically active.
“It’s a great way for Australians to improve their own health, lose weight and raise money to support troubled youth,” Ms McKenzie said.
The minister said febfast was flexible and allowed participants to choose what to skip.
“My personal choice is committing to moderate exercise every day and stopping my sugar intake, at least for February,” she said.
In a statement Ms McKenzie said Australia had the fifth highest rate of obesity for people aged 15 years and over in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
“Australians on average don’t have healthy eating habits or most don’t do enough physical activity either,” she said.
The minister said more than half of Australians exceeded the World Health Organization’s recommendation for consumption of free sugar.
“Our average consumption is 80 grams or 14 teaspoons every day,” she said.
Ms McKenzie said regular physical activity was important for overall health across all ages.
“It reduces the risk of diabetes, stroke, heart disease and some cancers,” she said.
The minister said febfast was an opportunity to “do something really good for yourself, while also doing something good for others”.
Visit www.febfast.org.au.