Published on January 23, 2011 at 8:58 PM
By Dr Ananya Mandal, MD
The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) has launched Australia’s Healthy Weight Week (AHWW) on Sunday in an attempt to make people choose a healthier lifestyle of eating better and exercising more.
Local dietitian Heidi Drenkhahn said 61 per cent of Australian adults and one in four children are overweight or obese. She is encouraging locals to embrace a healthier lifestyle to avoid obesity-related diseases, like heart disease and diabetes.
A latest survey showed that Australians trying to lose weight are more likely to follow advice from a magazine than a dietitian. In the survey by Newspoll on behalf of the Dietitians Association of Australia it appeared that only 12.3 per cent of the 1,200 people said they were likely to visit a dietitian when trying to slim down. That is compared to the 16.1 per cent who would take diet advice from a book or magazine and the 27.3 per cent who would seek help from their local GP. At least 50% of the potential dieters fail because ob bad advice, the survey showed.
According to DAA spokeswoman Professor Clare Collins, “If you have a toothache, you see a dentist. If your drains are blocked, you call in a plumber… For expert weight loss advice, you need to see an accredited practicing dietitian (because) getting expert advice and the right support will give you a much better chance of success.” She added, “To lose weight, your efforts need to incorporate healthy lifestyle changes that you can stick with over the long-term…For some people that might only mean cutting back on one daily treat, choosing a smaller dinner plate and getting off the bus one stop earlier, but the best approach will be different for everyone.”