Tick, Tock on the Obesity Clock

Tick, Tock on the Obesity Clock

With startling new figures on the obesity epidemic being released, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is calling the crisis the ticking bomb for Australia's health.

"We have to act now to address this critical health issue. The link between obesity and cardiovascular disease, and other health conditions, makes this one of Australia's number one health priorities," said Dr Kelly Seach, GP and RACGP Registrar Representative.

"This is not only an issue for the health of our patients; it is also about the health of our medical system, which is nearing breaking point. Unless the obesity epidemic is halted, it may tip the scales.

"We support the call of the Baker Heart Research Institute, in their report Australia's Future Fat Bomb, for people concerned about their weight to work towards a loss of five kilograms. All the evidence shows that a modest weight loss of five to 10 percent of your starting weight will result in significant health benefits such as decreased hypertension as well as positive economic and personal outcomes," said Dr Kelly Seach.

To read the Australia's Future Fat Bomb report by the Baker Heart Research Institute, please visit http://baker.edu.au/assets/contentFiles/39/fatBomb_report.pdf

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners is responsible for maintaining standards for quality clinical practice, education and training, and research in Australian general practice. The RACGP has the largest general practitioner membership of any medical organisation in Australia, with the majority of Australia's general practitioners belonging to their professional college. Over 23,000 general practitioners participate in the RACGP Continuing Professional Development Program. The RACGP National Rural Faculty, representing more than 6,000 members, has the largest rural general practitioner membership of any medical organisation in Australia.