LOSING as little as 3 kilograms or even just maintaining our weight could have a significant effect in reducing the health impact of excess body weight or obesity in Australia, according to a new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
The new findings look at the health impact, or 'burden', of excess weight in terms of years of healthy life lost from illness, injury, or through premature death.
"Our weight is our second biggest risk factor in terms of the health 'burden', accounting for 7%," said AIHW spokesperson Dr Lynelle Moon.
This is behind only tobacco which accounts for 9% of the burden, she added, although this gap has closed in recent years as the burden of tobacco drops and the burden of obesity rises.
Visit aihw.gov.au for the report.
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