Tasmania weighs in as most obese state or territory in Australia
Tasmania has the second-highest smoking rates in the country and is the third worst for physical inactivity and blood pressure – but the Apple Isle takes the cake for the highest obesity rates. SEE THE HEART MAP + DATA BREAKDOWN >>
Tasmania
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MORE than one in three Tasmanians are now obese, contributing to high heart-related fatality and hospitalisation rates, but people like Caleb Whittle prove it’s not too late to make life-saving health changes.
Tasmania has scored poorly in heart health yet again.
The Heart Foundation has released a Heart Maps series with extensive data comparing states and territories, regions, electorates and even local government areas.
Compared to the national average of 65.5 heart deaths per 10,000 people, Tasmania recorded a rate of 75.3 behind only the Northern Territory.
Tasmania’s smoking rates were second-highest in Australia and third for physical inactivity and blood pressure.
But no one could outdo the Apple Isle in obesity.
Regional and lower socio-economic demographics were more likely to be high-risk for heart diseases and deaths, with the Central Highlands and Southern Midlands council areas recording the highest obesity rates at 40 per cent.
Hobart had the lowest obesity rate of 19.2 per cent, well below the national average of 27.9 per cent.
Tasmania was also the only state or territory to have higher coronary heart disease hospitalisation rates since 2012.
New Norfolk local Mr Whittle found smoking and drinking alcohol daily led to a myriad of heart issues in his mid-30s.
“I always did a fair bit of walking, but earlier this year I noticed that I was getting slower and my chest felt congested,” he said.
“I was trying to manage the symptoms with over-the-counter decongestants.”
The father of two had been struggling to breathe in mid-June when his GP informed him his heart functioned at just 35 per cent capacity.
Since the scare, Caleb has taken up medication, quit smoking and alcohol and made positive diet and exercise adjustments.
“It feels great, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” he said.
“Now I wake up every day feeling ten times better than I did six months ago.”
Caleb has warned others to visit the doctor.
Heart Foundation Tasmania CEO Graeme Lynch AM echoed Caleb’s message.
“If you’re 45 or over, or from age 30 if you’re Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, talk to your GP about having a Heart Health Check.”
“Quit smoking, watch your alcohol intake and diet, and try to engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day.”
To view the Interactive Australian Heart Maps, visit the Heart Foundation’s website.
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