POOR nutrition, a lack of physical activity and subsequently obesity has been identified as key health issues in the central west.
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The Western NSW Health Needs Assessment 2013, which looked at the health and wellbeing of 271,000 people in the Western NSW Local Health District (LHD), found 21 per cent of adults would be defined as obese.
While obesity levels in Western NSW are similar to those in other rural areas, they are higher than the state average of 18 per cent.
Western NSW LHD chief executive Scott McLachlan said remoteness affected the rates of obesity across the region.
“Remoteness has a huge impact on the health of a population, the further out you go, the higher the rates of chronic disease, obesity, diabetes etc,” he said.
The Bathurst region fell below the state average but the Orange and Dubbo regions were significantly above it.
Mr McLachlan said there were programs in place across the LHD to address the obesity issues.
“There are a range of very good nutrition and physical activity programs happening at a regional and local level,” he said.
“From local walking and tai chi groups, to initiatives like the Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service which helps individuals with their exercise and diet.”
The report highlighted that nutrition and physical activity interventions were vital in ensuring obesity prevention.
Data on exercise levels in the district indicated 37.7 per cent of the population were physically inactive.
Levels of inactivity in Bathurst were lower than the NSW average of 33.4 per cent but higher across the rest of the district.
Gym owner and personal trainer Simon Livingstone said while he was not surprised by the results, he was disappointed.
Mr Livingstone said there was a wealth of education on physical activity and its benefits available to the public.
“The media, government and doctors do a good job spreading the message that we should eat well and exercise.”
“I see a lot of people who tend to look at themselves through rose coloured glasses and bench marque themselves against other individuals.”
Mr Livingstone said exercise and diet were the best deterrents against illness and ailments and there were a wide range of exercise avenues available to the public.
“Many gyms run programs for people who are deconditioned, elderly or recovering from illness.
“(Orange Central Fitness) run Heartmoves a program created by the heart foundation, which is low intensity exercise program designed to help people living with health conditions get regular movement and activity.”
Mr Livingstone said everyone could do some form of exercise, as they had people who had strokes, heart disease, visual issues and hip replacements participate in the program.
He said if people put as much effort into working out as they did trying to find an excuse not to, they would be a lot fitter and healthier.
The findings from the Health Needs Assessment will go into the formation of a Strategic Health Services Plan to provide the framework and direction for Western NSW LHD operations during the next three years.
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