The average Australian adult will be expected to gain 1.1 kg over the Christmas holidays, according to the national health statistics. Australians will be 12,895 tonnes heavier in the new year based on total average weight gain.

The last thing Australians need is to gain more weight since the country has long been plagued with rising obesity rates not only in adults, but also among children.

With obesity becoming a problem, Australians are encouraged to watch what they eat during the holidays.

Overeating during the holidays especially for people who are having problems with their weight is not recommended.

Health complications

One person dies from diabetes every six seconds, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). The organization reported diabetes affects 382 million people around the world and seeks help from celebrities and other influential personalities to raise awareness of this growing health problem.

The Brussels-based group recently released new figures and noted diabetes cases rose 4.4 percent over the past two years. The number of cases is more than 5 percent of the global population. The federation said the number of afflicted people may climb 55 percent at 592 million by 2035.

A more sedentary lifestyle and poor diet often lead to obesity and diabetes as health complications. According to the federation, these factors can trigger the diabetes epidemic. The report said in 2009, the number of diabetes cases was 285 million.

Australia's obesity problems are far from over as health experts were shocked to find new evidence that indicated 40 per cent or 4 out of 10 Australians are now dangerously fat or obese.

The Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute tracked 11,000 Australians and monitored their waist circumference for 12 years. The results of the study surprised experts, according to Anna Peeters, President of the Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society.

Food Coach Judy Davie recommends watching what people eat and drink at least three glasses of water for every alcoholic drink. Drinking more water prevents hang-overs and enables a person to exercise the next day. Keeping the body hydrated can also prevent overeating as thirst can oftentimes be mistaken for hunger.

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