North Burnett has worst exercise rate in country

The Heart Foundation found 82 per cent of North Burnett residents are physically inactive.

NO MORE: The Gayndah YMCA closed down years ago. Picture: Adam McCleery

NORTH Burnett residents have the worst exercise rate in the country, according to the Heart Foundation.

The organisation found 82 per cent of North Burnett residents are physically inactive, which is significantly higher than the national average of 66 per cent.

Even when age standardised rates have been adjusted for the region's ageing population, it still ranks as the most inactive in the country.

Heart-related hospital admissions in the region are significantly higher than the national average.

"The good news is by taking some small steps to change your lifestyle - through eating a healthy, balanced diet, being smoke-free and getting at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week - you can reduce your risk for heart disease and lower your heart age,” Heart Foundation chief medical advisor Professor Garry Jennings said.

The Heart Foundation mapped the incidence of heart disease and risks across Australia using data from several surveys and studies.

Data for insufficient exercise was modelled from adults who undertook no or low exercise in the week previous to the 2014-2015 National Health Survey.

The map also found that 39 per cent of North Burnett residents were obese, higher than the national average of 28 per cent.