Are Australians Now Leading in Global Obesity Rates?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the rising obesity rates in Australia and how they compare to those in the United States, with participants exploring the implications of these trends, cultural attitudes towards diet, and the impact of public health initiatives.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that Australia has recently overtaken the U.S. in obesity rates, attributing this to dietary habits such as high beer and beef consumption.
  • Others humorously suggest that this shift might imply that Mississippi no longer holds the title for highest obesity rates, though they acknowledge local issues may still persist.
  • A participant reflects on the effectiveness of public health messages in the U.S. regarding fat and sugar intake, citing a decline in soft drink sales and changes in school food policies.
  • There is speculation about whether the worsening obesity situation in Australia is a significant factor compared to improvements in the U.S., with some suggesting that obesity is a growing issue across developed nations.
  • One participant shares personal experiences regarding their own BMI and fitness routine, while also commenting on the general attitude towards personal wellbeing in Australia.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of comparing obesity data on a per capita basis, suggesting that sheer numbers may not provide a complete picture.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the implications of the obesity statistics, with no consensus reached on the causes or significance of the trends discussed. Multiple competing perspectives remain regarding the relationship between dietary habits and obesity rates in different countries.

Contextual Notes

Some statements reflect personal opinions and anecdotal evidence regarding dietary habits and cultural attitudes, which may not be universally applicable. The discussion also highlights the complexity of comparing obesity data across different populations.

gravenewworld
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It's the Aussies

http://www.forbes.com/markets/2008/06/20/australian-obesity-survey-markets-equity-cx_jc_0620markets06.html
 
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Amazing ! Then Mississippi does not have an issue anymore :-p
 
I'm doing all that I can to win back the title!
 
It's the Aussies
And they did it in one year. Too much beer and beef.


Actually, that's sad.
 
humanino said:
Amazing ! Then Mississippi does not have an issue anymore :-p

they may--on the local level---still have some kind of 'title'
 
rewebster said:
on the local level
Maybe Mississippi could just consider they have a problem, which is more important than an american (or world) title ?
I just meant it as a joke, whose meaning was "the title should be Mississippi issue spreads to the world or something like that"[/size]
 
Last edited:
Astronuc said:
And they did it in one year. Too much beer and beef.


Actually, that's sad.

I'm actually wondering if all of the message about watching fat and sugar intake have finally started to work in the US. Soft drink sales have started to fall. Many schools in the US have finally banned all junk foods and soda from vending machines and have started to clean up their menus (although there is still a lot of work to be done).
 
gravenewworld said:
I'm actually wondering if all of the message about watching fat and sugar intake have finally started to work in the US. Soft drink sales have started to fall. Many schools in the US have finally banned all junk foods and soda from vending machines and have started to clean up their menus (although there is still a lot of work to be done).
So, am I wrong to consider that the change is due to a worsening in Australia, and not a significant change in the US ?
 
You mean I can't start eating again?
 
  • #10
The Australian data is per capita, we still have them beat in sheer numbers.
 
  • #11
humanino said:
So, am I wrong to consider that the change is due to a worsening in Australia, and not a significant change in the US ?
no you may not be wrong. all of the developed world might just be getting fatter while people in the 3rd world continue to starve.

edward said:
The Australian data is per capita, we still have them beat in sheer numbers.

Of course it is in per capita terms. You have to compare apples to apples.
 
  • #12
Well as an Australian, I just reach the recommended BMI for a person my size (Last I checked) and work out regularly at the gym but I can see this very statistic with my very eyes and all I can say is, typical. Growing up in Australia has given me an insight into the average Australian's mentality, and this disinterest in their personal wellbeing is quite normal.

For Astronuc, I don't eat much beef and I don't like Australian beer.
 
  • #13
whitay said:
Well as an Australian, I just reach the recommended BMI for a person my size (Last I checked) and work out regularly at the gym but I can see this very statistic with my very eyes and all I can say is, typical. Growing up in Australia has given me an insight into the average Australian's mentality, and this disinterest in their personal wellbeing is quite normal.
I think that comes with the economic development.

For Astronuc, I don't eat much beef and I don't like Australian beer.
or perhaps lamb. Actually we ate more lamb and mutton. We really couldn't afford a lot of beef.

I like Fosters and VB, Tooheys and Coopers.
 

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