123,000 Australians have just been given a death sentence

Well, did that title grab your attention?

According to a report just published by Baker IDI Heart & Diabetes Institute, 123,000 Australian men and women will die (many prematurely) from Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) over the next 20 years as a result of their excess weight. Quoting the report, "CVD affects close to 4 million Australians at any one time (AIHW 2004b) and accounts for close to 50,000 deaths per annum."

Obesity is now a key risk factor and major contributor to some of Australia's most important health problems, which includes Type 2 diabetes, CVD, and a variety of cancers, and will result in an extra 700,000 CVD related admissions over the same 20 year time frame.

The middle-aged (45-64 years) represent more than any other age group, and are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes and ultimately CVD as a direct result of this highly preventable obesity epidemic. All it takes is a healthy nutritional diet and some regular exercise,... what a waste!