Almost a third (30%) of overweight adults mistakenly think that their health is excellent or very good, according to a new study by the National Heart Foundation of Australia.

The heart health charity surveyed more than 12,500 people aged 30-65 and found that women were more likely to be in denial about the impact their weight has on their health than men.

"Our perception of what being healthy looks like seems to be expanding at the same rate as our waistlines," said Susan Anderson, Healthy Weight Director at the Heart Foundation.

"As being overweight becomes more common, it appears that some people no longer consider carrying extra kilos to be a threat to their health.

"In reality of course, being overweight or obese increases your risk of heart disease, the number one killer of Australian men and women, as well as diabetes, arthritis and some types of cancer," Ms Anderson said.

Overall, 32% of overweight women thought they were in excellent or very good health compared to 29% of overweight men. The gender gap increased to 8% in the 60-65 age group (41% compared to 33%).

The Heart Foundation also found that a significant proportion of people still considered themselves to be in excellent health even when their doctor recommended making lifestyle changes. The survey revealed that:

  • Almost a fifth (18%) of people who have been advised by their doctor to lose weight rate their health as very good or excellent
  • One in six (17%) people who have been advised by their doctor to do more physical activity rate their health as very good or excellent
  • More than one in six (16%) people who have been advised by their doctor to improve their diet rate their health as very good or excellent

"The way we view our health may be clouded by judging ourselves against others rather than against medical advice and the recommended guidelines," Ms Anderson continued.

Almost ten million adult Australians are now overweight or obese according to ABS statistics - 25% are obese, 37% are overweight and 37% are a healthy weight.

For most people being a healthy weight means having a BMI (body mass index) between 18.5 and 24.9, but waist circumference is also a good indicator - women should aim for a waist measurement of less than 80cm and men for less than 94cm.

"A comprehensive approach is needed to help people make healthier choices. As well as continuing to challenge food companies to make their food healthier through our Tick Program, the Heart Foundation is encouraging Federal and State Government to make healthy food affordable and accessible; provide clearer labelling of unhealthy ingredients; and improve local neighbourhoods so that more families have access to parks and safe routes for kids to walk and ride to school," Ms Anderson concluded.

Source: Heart Foundation