A March 2014 article in The Australian reported that Australia’s obesity rates have exceeded predictions from four years ago. Back in 2010 The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said the overweight and obesity rate in Australia would reach 60% in 2014 – but we’ve just hit 63%. Obesity Australia is calling the rise an epidemic and believes the problem is so severe that they want the Australian government, along with the Australian Medical Association, to recognise obesity as a disease the same way that the US did last year.
Interestingly, Obesity Australia is pointing the finger at pregnant mothers, explaining that overweight pregnant women who provide their children with a high carbohydrate and high sugar diet in the first three years of their life are a large part of the problem. “The first four years of life (including pregnancy) are crucial in combating obesity because they define the set-points for hunger and satiety in a child for its entire life,” explained the Obesity Australia chief, Professor John Funder. This news is particularly disturbing because, according to recent childhood obesity statistics, it seems like the damage has already been done and we’re set to see another generation of overweight children growing into overweight adults. Across the world, it is estimated that one in five children 5-19 years old is overweight, and an overweight 5 year old is four times as likely to become obese by the time they are 14, compared to normal-weight children.
Certainly Australia’s obesity levels will put extra strain on the health department, but how will it affect the fitness industry?
How is Australia’s weight changing the face of fitness?
Changing demands: The fitness and health industries are certainly growing as more people are recommended exercise for weight loss reasons. The Australian Institute of Fitness reported that there has been an increased demand for small group personal training sessions with 2 to 4 participants, both in gyms and outdoor bootcamp style formats.
Businesses are also placing more emphasis on health and fitness, as they realise its effects on their worker’s productivity and bottom dollar. Overweight workers are said to be costing the Australian economy around $637 million dollars a year in lost productivity, more days off, earlier retirement and a higher risk of disability and injuries. Personal trainers are finding that the corporate sector is becoming a key area where their skills can improve the health and fitness of the average Australian.
Changing qualifications: Personal Trainers already learn about fitness, exercise, and understanding the goals and motivations of clients with different fitness levels in a safe environment during their Certificate III and IV in Fitness. However, Personal Trainers are having to manage more and more clients with weight-related chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. The Australian Institute of Fitness, a personal training and fitness course provider, explained that they adjusted their course offerings to address this issue.
“This is why we now offer the Exercise Therapist program (Diploma of Fitness) as PTs can upskill from the Certificate III and IV in Fitness so they have the right skills to effectively and confidently work with what is unfortunately becoming the ‘average’ Australian,” said an Australian Institute of Fitness spokesperson.
What’s the answer?
From the perspective of the fitness industry, trainers will benefit from becoming further qualified in dealing with clients who have weight-related conditions, as well as the increasingly popular small group fitness classes so that they can continue to meet client’s needs.
Trainers can also play a role in helping future generations maintain a healthy weight by encouraging mothers who are soon to be pregnant, pregnant, or have small children to have good eating and exercise habits to pass on to their children.
Of course, fathers also play an important role in encouraging exercise and good nutrition in their children. The recommendations from Obesity Australia were for mothers to breastfeed for the first six months, favour meat and vegetable mush over rice cereal and set healthy appetite and weight points from the beginning.
Finally, if you’ve ever considered a career change, now would be the time to make it happen. The fitness industry will need more trainers than ever to help Australia change its lifestyle and reduce its obesity rates. As an Australian Institute of Fitness spokesperson said, “You’ve heard the old saying ‘exercise is the best medicine’; well it’s never been more true than now when more than 60% of Australian’s are overweight or obese, and more fitness trainers are needed to motivate them to exercise, so they can avoid terrible lifestyle diseases.”