City fruit and vegetable consumption declining: Report

There is a blatantly obvious reason Toowoomba’s obesity levels are climbing, according to a new Qld Health report. But the data suggests locals are ignoring the critical health advice.

Alarming new research into Toowoomba’s eating and exercise habits reveals locals are neglecting crucial, but basic aspects of their health and wellbeing.

Child obesity is on the rise, exercise rates are decreasing, and unhealthy eating habits are taking precedence for those living in the Darling Downs Health region, according to a new report.

The Chief Health Officer’s biannual report, The Health of Queenslanders, revealed startling statistics about obesity and unhealthy eating rates in the Darling Downs.

The report said the daily consumption of fruit and vegetables in the Darling Downs Health district had declined in the last 10 years, as well as in the Central Queensland health region.

Between 2019 and 2020, adult activity levels were also well below the state average in the Darling Downs, according to the report.

The Fit Lab co-owner Chris Hillman said maintaining health and wellbeing comes down to striking a perfect balance.

“It’s all about balance, like everything in life,” he said.

“We all live these incredibly busy lifestyles and one thing coming out of COVID that we hear in the gym is that everyone is just under the pump.

“It’s about keeping that balance between finding time for yourself and looking after your health.”

Mr Hillman said the convenience and immediacy of online takeaway avenues like UberEats could be a factor in stripping locals of their recommended fruit and vegetable intake.

Nevertheless, it’s an alarming thing to see people neglecting essential parts of their diet.

“We’ve become a society where we can very easily order UberEats on our phone and get it delivered straight to the house,” he said.

“I don’t think you see too many fruit and veggie options, so it’s easier to get the pizza and the noodles.

“It’s a lot more available and accessible to get the takeaway food in the digital world.”

The report also revealed startling statistics about the region’s escalating childhood obesity numbers.

“For proxy-reported child overweight and obesity in 2019–20, the combined areas of North West, Central West, South West HHSs and Darling Downs, West Moreton HHSs had higher

prevalences than Queensland overall,” the report read.

“This should be viewed cautiously, however, due to small population sizes.”

Mr Hillman advised those struggling to maintain the physical wellbeing to access assistance from local dietitians, nutritionists, or online.

“There’s help everywhere out there,” he said.

“It’s a benefit and disadvantage that we can jump on Google and research anything.”