MAKING small changes to your weight could help to reduce the overall impact of obesity on the nation.
A new report released by the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare suggests that if all Australians who were at risk weight-related illness reduced their body mass index (BMI) by just one point, the overall rate of obesity would drop considerably.
The study looked at the health impacts excess weight can have on rates of illness, injury and premature death in Australia.
Researcher Dr Lynelle Moon said the study found weight to be Australia's second biggest health risk factor, accounting for seven per cent of the health burden, behind only tobacco.
Dr Moon said the report looked at those who were obese or overweight in 2011 and indicated if the group reduced its weight by a single BMI point, the overall health impact of problems with excessive weight and obesity would drop by 14 per cent by 2020.
She added that even if people in this category maintained their current weight it would impact on rising rates of obesity and weight gain and would reduce the burden by six per cent over the same period.
