Portion Distortion: A Growing Problem in Australia

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“63% of Australian adults were overweight or obese in 2011–12, 70% of men and 56% of women. This has increased from 57% in 1995. Being overweight or obese are risk factors for many chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and … cancers.” This dramatic quote from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare states the appalling: we are getting fatter and fatter every day. One of the foremost reasons for this is the giant increase in portion sizes, or “portion distortion”. This trend must be reversed! Firstly, I will explain that portion distortion exists and why it’s a problem. Secondly, I will describe the countless benefits of stopping this problem, and finally I will convince you that we can stop portion distortion to the benefit of all Australians. The problem of portion distortion is widespread in scale and distribution. Bearing in mind, the average kilojoule intake …show more content…

‘Every sick day costs businesses an average of $385 and one in 40 people have one [sick day] daily in Australia’ states the Sydney Morning Herald in 2012. Being healthy improves productivity in the workforce, as employees are more efficient and have fewer days lost due to illness. This all combines to an improved experience for the whole of Australia, not just those affected directly by obesity related in part to portion distortion. We can reverse portion distortion by educating the community. Firstly, people need to know that portion size has changed and continues to grow. Secondly, many people who are overweight do not see themselves as such, though some do. Educating people about healthy weight ranges and abdominal circumference is done by doctors but we could do more. An advertising campaign, such as those against smoking, are likely to be effective. Finally, it is hard to exercise off those extra kilojoules and people need to be made aware that improving energy balance is much easier by reducing intake than increasing

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