Rising Rates of Obesity and Diabetes Puts Pressure on the Australians

There is an increase rise in the obesity and diabetic rate among the Australians. This has resulted in a drop in their life expectancy. This has also pressurized the already stretched health system. Statistics show that the death rates from cancer declined about 14 % and also from that of cardiovascular disease decreased drastically. Research said that that average life expectancy for Australians, at 78 years for males and 83 for females. But unhealthy lifestyle, including obesity and Type 2 diabetes has reduced the life expectancy among the Australians. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) said that vaccination rates have improved and smoking rate halved.

AIHW director Penny Allbon said that childhood obesity and diabetes are the leading cause of premature death and disease. The report estimates about 17 % of children under the age of 16 are overweight. Due to this the chief medical officer, Andrew Tonkin of National Heart Foundation of Australia has also reported an increase in heart disease. The number of self-reported diabetes cases more than doubled in the last year. Sally Crossing who is in charge of a , support group Cancer said regular health checks and screening programs had played a key role in reducing deaths. This resulted in cancer becoming a chronic condition rather than a killer. Both the public and the private sector are working together to improve people’s life and reduce diseases.