Researchers at the University of Adelaide have confirmed that if current trends continue, Australia’s Generation X will overtake Baby Boomers for poor health, including rates of obesity and diabetes, which could have huge implications for healthcare and the workforce.
In a paper published in the online journal PLOS ONE, University of Adelaide researchers compared the health status of Baby Boomers (born from 1946-1965) and Generation X (1966-1980) at the same age range of 25-44 years.
They found Generation X had significantly poorer levels of self-rated health, and higher levels of obesity and diabetes compared with Boomers, with no real difference in physical activity between the two groups.
“Generation X appears to have developed both obesity and diabetes much sooner when compared with Baby Boomers, which is a major concern on a number of fronts,” says co-author and University of Adelaide PhD student Rhiannon Pilkington, who is a member of the University’s Population Research & Outcome Studies group, School of Medicine.
Generation X is more than twice as likely to be overweight or obese and have diabetes at 25 to 44 years of age, compared to Baby Boomers at the same age in 1989.
The prevalence of obesity in men is nearly double, with 18.3% of Generation X males obese compared to 9.4% of Baby Boomers at the same age. The gap is not as profound for women, with 12.7% of Generation X females classified as obese compared to 10.7% of Baby Boomers at the same age.
“This study adds to the growing evidence world wide suggesting that each younger generation is developing obesity and related chronic health conditions earlier in life,” Ms Pilkington says.
“Although the two groups in our study did not seem to have any difference in levels of physical activity, our lifestyles and food environments have changed drastically over recent decades.
“Transport options and workplaces encourage sedentary behavior, and food high in fat and sugar is often more readily available than a healthier alternative. This may account for why the younger generation is developing unhealthy weight levels at an earlier age,” she says.
Ms Pilkington says that together, Baby Boomers and Gen X form almost 77% of Australia’s workforce.
“There is the potential for obesity-related health problems to propel many from the workforce early, or to drastically reduce their ability to work. If ongoing generations continue down this path of developing what were once considered to be age-related conditions earlier in life, the consequences for healthcare costs will be enormous.”
Story Source:
The above story is based on materials provided by University of Adelaide. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.
… Continue reading here.
Diet And Weight Loss News — Sciencedaily
— Courtesy “Science News Daily” (ScienceNewsDaily.com) <p>
SM 2013 – Bikini fitness -163cm.
<p>
FITS Medium Hiker Crew Sock
Get your FITS…and get lost! The FITS Sock Company Medium Hiker Crew Sock boasts a medium cushion of Merino Wool throughout that supports your entire foot, ankle, and lower calf in total comfort. In this sock, you will easily forget about the task at hand while you comfortably master any outdoor endeavor. Full Contact Fit: -Dynamic Toe Cup: contours to the shape of your toes -Heel Lock: super deep heel pocket with ample cross stretch locks the sock on your heel -Full Contact Cuff: stays in place due to a tighter ankle and looser calf (proper gradience) -Crew Length: just below calf -Midweight design with cushioning surrounding your entire foot, ankle and lower calf -Double welted top so the sock always stays up and doesn t bind or slip -Color coded seam on toe and indicator inside welt so you won t forget your size or style -White “Fits” in toe to distinguish from Light Hiker -Made in the USA Fabric: 70% Wool/22% Nylon:6% Polyester/2% Lycra Spandex Mens Sizing by Shoe Size: S: 3 1/2 thru 5 1/2 M: 6 thru 8 L: 8 1/2 thru 10 XL: 10 1/2 thru 12 1/2 XXL: 13 thru 15 1/2 Womens Sizing by Shoe Size: S: 5 thru 7 M: 7 1/2 thru 9 1/2 L: 10 thru 11 1/2 XL: 12 thru 14 XXL: 14 1/2 thru 16 1/2
List Price: $ 20.99
Price: $ 20.99
You Can Help Your Child Get More Exercise By Following These 5 Tips
Does your child get enough exercise? You can get your children more active with these 5 fun parenting tips.
Better Health in Four Steps
In just four steps, you can improve your health for the better and this article will show you how. The steps below are bite-sized nuggets of health information you can actually use to live a healthy life. Here we go… Nutritional supplements are the first step As far as I’m concerned, they are very important […]
Top 4 Nutrition Predictions in the New Year
Several food and nutrition trends were in the spotlight this year, including the continued rise of plant-based diets, non-dairy ice creams and superfoods that are blasts from the past — legumes, apples and cabbage. It can be easy to experience nutrition whiplash in the New Year, but don’t be a victim. Get a jump-start on […]
5 Ways to Feel Good While Getting Fit
Setting intentions is a powerful thing. Then when you have that shiny new gym membership in hand, you feel like nothing stands between you and your goals to get in shape once and for all. Trouble is, lack of motivation, unpreparedness and busy schedules have a way of interfering with our plans. If you find […]