Obesity Australia places the figure of overweight to obese Australian adults at 63% and the organisation predicts it will blow out to 70% by 2025 (with one third of those 70% obese).
Australia’s yearly expenditure for obesity related health problems sits at a staggering $58.2 billion. Australian businesses lose an estimated $3.6 billion in productivity each year, it’s no wonder why some forward thinking Australian workplaces are placing an emphasis on fitness.
Innovative businesses throughout Australia understand the positives that come from having a healthy workforce such as increased productivity and lower rates of depression and stress. It’s quite simple really, when you are happy and healthy, you are more productive. Studies show those who work out regularly generally have better concentration, reaction time and memory than those who are physically lazy. Workplace fitness has other benefits aside from health, such as encouraging team-building and bonding.
The Australian business sector is slowly coming around to the idea of integrating fitness programs into the work environment.
Reload Media is one Brisbane business who understands the benefits of a healthy and fit workforce. The media company has an agreement with Bodytrack Health & Fitness in Toowong to undertake one group personal training class a week for any interested staff.
From in-office gyms to lunchtime yoga, group personal training classes and outside of work hours group fitness activities, many forms of exercise are rising in popularity amongst those employers who can afford the investment in the wellbeing of their staff.
The Australian Medical Association 2014 Physical Activity Report Highlights
No physical activity to low levels of activity is the 4th leading cause of death worldwide (6% deaths globally).
It is the main cause of 21% to 25% of breast cancers & colon cancers, 30% of Ischaemic heart disease and 27% of diabetes.
Between 2000 and 2025 the average prevalence of healthy weight amongst Australian adults will drop from 40.6% to 22.9%, with obesity jumping from 20.5% to 33.9%.
Approximately 60% to 70% of Australians live a sedentary lifestyle.
If Australians were to increase their physical activity participation by 10% it would result in cost savings of around $258 million, 37% of those savings coming from the health sector alone.