Leslie Massey
Australia has one of the highest obesity rates in the world, with about 30% of its adult population being obese. This is due to a variety of factors, including a poor diet, smoking, lack of exercise, and being overweight. The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods such as vegetables, fruits, grains, lean meat, and low-fat dairy. However, many Australians do not follow these guidelines, with only about half of Australian adults eating the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables. In addition, many Australians consume too many discretionary foods, such as alcohol and salty snacks, which are high in energy, saturated fat, added sugars, and salt, but low in nutrients. These dietary choices have led to an increase in diet-related health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Australians who met fruit and vegetable recommendations in 2022 | 44.1% met the fruit recommendation; 6.5% met the vegetable recommendation; 4.2% met both recommendations |
| Australians who met fruit and vegetable recommendations in 2017-18 | 51.3% met the fruit recommendation; 7.5% met the vegetable recommendation; 5.4% met both recommendations |
| Children aged 2-17 years who met fruit and vegetable recommendations in 2022 | 63.9% met the fruit recommendation; 4.6% met the vegetable recommendation; 4.3% met both recommendations |
| Children aged 2-17 years who met fruit and vegetable recommendations in 2017-18 | 73.0% met the fruit recommendation; 6.3% met the vegetable recommendation; 6.0% met both recommendations |
| Australians aged 75+ who met fruit and vegetable recommendations in 2022 | 8.1% |
| Australians aged 18-24 who met fruit and vegetable recommendations in 2022 | 2.1% |
| Australians who did not meet fruit and vegetable recommendations in 2019 | 49-52% did not meet the fruit guidelines; 93-94% did not meet the vegetable guidelines |
| Australians who did not meet fruit and vegetable recommendations in 2018 | 49% did not eat the recommended fruit serves; 92% did not eat the recommended vegetable serves |
| Australians who did not meet fruit and vegetable recommendations in 2011-12 | 76% of women and 67% of men did not eat the recommended serves of grains |
| Australians who did not meet fruit and vegetable recommendations in 2017-18 by socioeconomic status | 46% in the highest socioeconomic areas did not eat enough fruit; 92% in the highest socioeconomic areas did not eat enough vegetables; 53% in the lowest socioeconomic areas did not eat enough fruit; 96% in the lowest socioeconomic areas did not eat enough vegetables |
| Australians who did not meet fruit and vegetable recommendations in 2017-18 by remoteness | 53% in outer regional and remote areas had inadequate fruit consumption; no difference in inadequate vegetable consumption by remoteness |
| Proportion of daily energy intake from discretionary foods in 2011-12 | 33-36% (5-7 serves per day on average) |
| Proportion of total daily energy from discretionary foods in 2011-12 | Over one-third |
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What You'll Learn
How many Australians meet the dietary guidelines for fruit and vegetable intake?
A balanced diet, including sufficient fruit and vegetables, can reduce the risk of developing conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) 2013 Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend a minimum number of serves of fruit and vegetables each day, depending on a person's age, sex, life stage, height, and physical activity level.
In 2022, less than half of adults aged 18 years and over met the fruit and vegetable recommendations. Specifically, 44.1% met the fruit recommendation, and 6.5% met the vegetable recommendation. Only 4.2% met both the fruit and vegetable recommendations. These figures represent a decrease from 2017-18, when 51.3% met the fruit recommendation, 7.5% met the vegetable recommendation, and 5.4% met both.
Females were more likely to meet the recommendations than males: 46.7% of females met the fruit recommendation compared to 41.6% of males, 9.8% of females met the vegetable recommendation compared to 3.0% of males, and 6.3% of females met both recommendations compared to 2.1% of males.
Children and adolescents aged 2-17 were also less likely to meet the recommendations in 2022 compared to 2017-18. 63.9% met the fruit recommendation, a decrease from 73.0%, 4.6% met the vegetable recommendation, a decrease from 6.3%, and 4.3% met both fruit and vegetable recommendations, a decrease from 6.0%. Younger children aged 2-3 were more likely to meet both fruit and vegetable recommendations compared to teens aged 14-17 (20.1% compared to 2.9%).
Overall, older people were more likely to meet both the fruit and vegetable recommendations than younger people. People aged 75 years and over were more likely to meet the recommendations than people aged 18-24 years (8.1% compared to 2.1%).
On average, Australians generally did not eat the recommended serves of grains, meat and alternatives, and dairy products and alternatives each day. In addition, the number of serves of fruit and vegetables available per person from foods purchased is less than the recommended number of serves from the dietary guidelines. Between 2018-19 and 2022-23, the number of serves available per person decreased for vegetables, fruit, grains and cereals, and dairy and alternatives.
High cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease are prevalent in the Australian population, with poor diet being a significant risk factor for these illnesses. The National Preventive Health Strategy (NPHS) outlines measurable targets to increase vegetable intake and reduce consumption of discretionary foods, sugar, and sodium.
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How does diet vary across socioeconomic areas?
Dietary behaviours established early in life can continue into adolescence and adulthood. A balanced diet, including sufficient fruit and vegetables, can reduce the risk of developing conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend a variety of foods, including plenty of vegetables, fruits, grains, lean meat, and other protein, and low-fat dairy. However, only about half of Australian adults eat the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables.
The dietary intake and quality of nutrients vary across socioeconomic areas. Household income and education levels are the most important correlates with food expenditure patterns. People from high socioeconomic groups tend to buy and eat healthier foods. Higher levels of education and household income are associated with food purchasing and consumption that adheres more closely to dietary guidelines, including the consumption of a wider variety of foods and more fruits and vegetables. Those living in low-socioeconomic areas tend to eat less nutritious food, with diets higher in fat, salt, and sugar. They also tend to eat more fast food.
The total cost of the habitual diet increases from the lowest to the highest socioeconomic groups. The reference household, regardless of socioeconomic status, spent the majority of its food budget on discretionary items, ranging from 56% to 63% of the total habitual diet costs. The cost of alcohol increased significantly from low to high socioeconomic groups.
In 2022, based on self-reported data, the proportion of adults aged 18 and over who did not meet the recommended daily serves of fruit was 61% in the lowest socioeconomic areas and 53% in the highest socioeconomic areas. The proportion of those who did not meet the recommended serves of vegetables was 96% in the lowest socioeconomic areas and 92% in the highest socioeconomic areas. Overall, older people were more likely to meet both fruit and vegetable recommendations than younger people.
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How does diet vary across age groups?
A healthy diet is essential for overall health and well-being, providing the body with the energy and nutrients it needs. The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend a variety of nutritious foods from five food groups: vegetables, fruits, grains, lean meat or protein alternatives, and dairy. However, age-related differences exist in dietary habits and requirements.
Children and Adolescents
Healthy eating habits established during childhood can have a lasting impact on dietary behaviours in later life. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommends specific guidelines for children's diets, ensuring they receive adequate nutrition to support their growth and development. Unfortunately, many Australian children are not meeting these guidelines, with a decline in fruit and vegetable consumption observed between 2017-18 and 2022.
Adults
Australian adults' diets vary significantly, with a particular focus on age, sex, life stage, height, and physical activity level. Overall, adults aged 18 and over are less likely to meet the recommended serves of fruits and vegetables than older adults, with a higher proportion of adults in lower socioeconomic areas not meeting these targets. Notably, adults aged 19 and over have consistently struggled to consume the recommended serves of grains, with 76% of women and 67% of men falling short in 2011-12.
Older Adults
Older Australians, aged 75 and above, are more likely to meet the fruit and vegetable recommendations than younger age groups. However, specific dietary considerations for this age group may include adjusting portion sizes, incorporating nutrient-dense foods, and ensuring adequate hydration.
In conclusion, while the Australian Dietary Guidelines provide a framework for healthy eating across all ages, age-related differences exist in dietary habits and requirements. Establishing healthy eating habits early in life can promote better dietary behaviours in adolescence and adulthood, reducing the risk of chronic diseases associated with poor diet, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
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What are the health implications of a poor diet?
A poor diet is defined by the absence of essential nutrients and an overconsumption of discretionary foods. Discretionary foods are those that are not needed to meet nutrient requirements and are high in kilojoules, saturated fat, sodium, added sugars, and alcohol. In Australia, discretionary foods are widely consumed, with high-sugar, high-fat, and high-sodium diets being common among both adults and children.
The health implications of a poor diet are significant and far-reaching. Firstly, a poor diet is a major risk factor for chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer. These diseases are often linked to obesity, which is itself a consequence of poor dietary habits. The Australian population experiences high rates of obesity and being overweight, with over one million Australians suffering from diabetes and a further six per cent affected by high cholesterol.
Secondly, a poor diet can adversely affect mental health. Studies have shown that diets high in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates are associated with greater incidences of depression, depressive symptoms, and anxiety. In older adults, a poor diet is linked to a smaller left hippocampus, a brain structure associated with learning, memory, and mood regulation. This can lead to impaired learning and memory, as well as an increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's.
Thirdly, a poor diet can also impact specific health conditions. For example, a Western diet high in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates has been shown to worsen asthma symptoms. Additionally, diets low in whole grains, fibre, fruits, and vegetables can increase the risk of nutritional anaemias, dental caries, and gall bladder disease.
Finally, a poor diet can have societal implications, particularly when it becomes a widespread issue. In Australia, the prevalence of poor dietary habits has led to a high burden of disease, with 7.3% of the total burden attributed to poor diet in 2015. This includes the impact on healthcare systems, as well as the economic and social costs associated with treating diet-related diseases.
Overall, the health implications of a poor diet are extensive and affect not only physical health but also mental health and societal well-being. Improving dietary habits is, therefore, a crucial public health priority.
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How does Australia's obesity rate compare to other countries?
Australia has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world. In 2022-23, two-thirds of Australian adults were overweight (34%) or obese (31.7%). The prevalence of obesity is similar for men and women, with around seven in 10 men and six in 10 women living with overweight or obesity. The prevalence of overweight and obesity is higher for Australian adults living outside major cities. In major cities, 64% of Australians were living with overweight or obesity in 2022-23, compared to 69.3% in inner regional Australia and 70.3% in outer regional and remote Australia. The National Health Survey does not collect data from very remote areas.
The rate of obesity in Australia is comparable to that of the United States and is similar to the rates in the UK, New Zealand, and Canada, all with a rate of around 30% of the adult population. However, Australia's obesity rate is significantly higher than that of Korea and Japan, which have the lowest rates of overweight and obesity among OECD countries. Mexico had the highest rate of overweight and obesity among OECD countries in 2020, at 74%.
Poor diet, particularly a lack of fruit and vegetable consumption, is a significant risk factor for obesity and other illnesses such as heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes. In 2022, less than half of Australian adults met the fruit and vegetable recommendations, and only 6.5% met the vegetable recommendation. This issue is also prevalent among children, with fewer children meeting the fruit and vegetable recommendations in 2022 compared to 2017-18. Being overweight is a concern in younger age groups, with around 15% of all children being overweight.
Overall, Australia's obesity rate is high compared to other developed countries, and it has been increasing over the years, driven by the increased proportion of people living with obesity.
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Frequently asked questions
It is unclear how many Australians are currently on a diet, as comprehensive national surveys of diets are conducted infrequently. However, the Australian Bureau of Statistics is expected to release data from a new National Nutrition and Physical Activity Study in early 2025.
Obesity rates in Australia are similar to those in the UK, New Zealand, and Canada, with around 30% of the adult population classified as obese. When considering the overweight population, the total share of Australians who are obese or overweight exceeds 50%.
There is no clear data on how many Australian children are on a diet. However, it is known that a large proportion of Australian children are not meeting the Australian dietary guidelines for fruit and vegetable consumption.
While a poor diet is a significant risk factor for obesity, other factors include smoking, lack of exercise, and genetic predispositions.
The Australian dietary guidelines recommend a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits, grains, lean meat, and other protein sources, as well as low-fat dairy. These guidelines aim to promote health and wellbeing and protect against chronic diseases.
