Weight

I will

reduce my risk of cancer and other diseases
feel better
have more energy and vitality
reduce joint pain and have increased mobility

Cancer Australia recommends: Achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight within a BMI range of 18.5 to 25 kg/m² to lower your risk of cancer, and achieving and maintaining a waist circumference of below 94 cm (37 in) for men and below 80 cm (31.5 in) for women.

Having a greater amount of body fat increases the risk of a number of different cancers, including cancers of the bowel, oesophagus, endometrium, pancreas, kidney and breast.
Being overweight or obese can directly contribute to developing many other serious health problems, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnoea and osteoarthritis.
Over 60% of adults in Australia are overweight or obese, and this number is rising.

I’ve always been overweight, it’s just my normal body size

Although some people do have a predisposition to be overweight, having a balanced diet and active lifestyle can go a long way to countering a person’s genetic inheritance. Find out if you are a healthy weight in order to live longer, feel better and protect against cancer.

Tips

Measure your waist circumference – less than 94cm (37 in) for men and 80cm (31.5 in) for women means your abdominal fat is in check which will help to reduce your risk of cancer.
Find out your body mass index (BMI) which calculates if you’re a healthy weight for your height – between 18.5 and 25kg/m² is considered the normal range.
Stay as lean as possible within the normal range of body weight to reduce your risk of cancer.

Losing weight is impossible for someone like me

While losing weight requires some lifestyle changes and a consistent balance of healthy eating and regular exercise, it is possible for everyone. Start today – make realistic goals and gradually build healthy eating and exercise habits through a number of simple changes. It’s easier than you think to make small changes for a big impact.

Tips

Eat a healthy diet – think quality not quantity and control your portion sizes, pack your lunch for work and snack healthier. Check out our Healthy Diet section for more great tips.
Combine this with regular exercise – aim for 30 minutes every day. If you currently do no physical activity, start by doing some, and gradually build up. See our Exercise section for more information on getting started.
Use the Eat for Health Calculators which will help you understand your daily energy and nutrient requirements.

I can’t get my kids to stay a healthy weight and be active

Obese children have a 25-50% chance of being obese adults, and this possibility can be as high as 78% for older obese teenagers. This increases their lifelong risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.

Teach them healthy habits at home so that they can grow and develop with the right amount of energy and nutrients with these tips.

Tips

Get fussy little eaters interested in healthy food by using fresh produce with bright colours and interesting textures such as capsicums, carrots and strawberries.
Disguise vegetables and legumes in pasta sauces.
Get your kids involved in cooking and growing food – you can educate them about different healthy foods as you make a nutritious meal.
Stick the Healthy Eating Guide on the fridge so they can learn about the different food groups.
Encourage your kids to take up a sport they enjoy, play in the park with friends, or go for a bike ride or walk with them.
The occasional sweet treat is ok – as long as it’s occasional.

I’m too old so I don’t need to bother

Nutrient and energy requirements differ at every age and life stage, but the importance of a healthy diet and physical activity doesn’t change. In fact, as we get older we often need fewer kilojoules because we are less active, but we need a similar amount, if not more, of most nutrients. For example, as we age we need more calcium and vitamin D for bone health. There are plenty of ways older Australians can continue to eat healthy and be active.

Tips

Follow the recommended number of serves from the five food groups and limit your intake of unhealthy foods and drinks. Why not try one of these healthy recipes.
Keep physically active to maintain fitness and muscle strength. Try low to moderate intensity exercise such as walking, water aerobics or cycling.
Add a few friends to the equation to make it more exciting – go for a walk with friends or cook a meal together.

Myth buster

Cooking healthy for one is just as important as cooking for anyone else. Make it a habit to cook quick and easy meals and freeze leftovers to use throughout the week.