Australian health professionals have identified the most harmful health issues of the future which may, or may not, surprise you.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) believes that, on current trends, 70 per cent of Australia’s population will be obese or overweight by 2025.
GPs are urging anyone who is overweight or obese, or has trouble with maintaining a healthy weight, to seek the advice of their doctor before it’s too late.
“Early intervention by a GP plays a key role in an attempt to change the weight gain trajectory that patients with obesity often find themselves on,” said RACGP President Dr Bastian Seidel.
“Obesity is a disease and, like other diseases, deserves immediate attention.
“As the first point of contact for most Australians seeking medical attention, GPs are in an unparalleled position to both identify those at risk of developing obesity and initiate treatment for those with established overweight or obesity.”
RACGP’s General Practice: Health of the Nation 2017 report revealed that obesity and complications arising from obesity are major health problems already facing Australians, but it’s only going to get worse in the very near future.
Dr Seidel said that health professionals, the Government and the community should all band together to face this deadly problem head on.
Around 2.7 billion adults worldwide are overweight or obese, with two thirds of Australian adults and one in four schoolchildren falling into this category.
“Sadly, there is a real risk that these children might not outlive their parents,” said Dr Seidel.
“There is a serious sense of urgency, and the time to act is now.”
While obesity was flagged as one of the most concerning emerging health issues, the most common reason for patient visits is for psychological conditions. In fact, mental health is the most concerning health issue for the future.
Are you surprised that these are the most concerning health issues for the future? What do you belive should be done to arrest the rapid increase in obesity? Do you think enough is being done to handle our mental health issues?
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