Obesity In Australia

“Food systems are the foundation of human health and wellbeing.” Adriana Keating (2013) being a healthy individual depends hugely on the nutrition we consume. Food insecurity is the degree to which a person is able to access nutritious food. When there is stress connected to attaining the next meal or it is a constant difficulty to budget for healthy fresh food this can be described as being food insecure. Adriana Keating (2013) Food insecurity is influenced by many factors, such as geographic location, economic status and education level. Adriana Keating (2013)

The link between low socio-economic status and food insecurity as well as the link between low socio-economic status and obesity will be discussed in the essay. Rising obesity in Australia is a complex issue and this essay will not attempt to look at all possible causes, instead it will focus on how food insecurity, caused by low socio-economic status (not specific to rural areas), effects obesity in Australia.

For many reasons, including factors such as ill health, disability, sudden job loss, and high living

Dixon (2010). The evolving obesity epidemic is taking a considerable toll on those affected, health services, and on our communities, John B. Dixon (2010). These health issues are so present in Australia that, “the total annual direct cost of overweight and obesity in Australia in 2005 was $21 billion” Colagiuri, S., et al (2010). The health risks associated with obesity need long term management and hence are very costly. Seeing such an impact from an easily avoidable condition (staying a healthy weight) can only indicate that the obesity epidemic is much harder to combat and control than first assumed, especially within low socio-economic status individuals and the food