Overweight Population Overtakes Smoking as Top Health Risk in Australia

Sydney: For the first time, being overweight has overtaken smoking as the leading modifiable health risk in Australia, according to government data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). The AIHW's annual Australian Burden of Disease Study for 2024 revealed that Australians lost an estimated 5.8 million healthy life years in 2024 due to living with disease and premature death, reported Xinhua.

The study highlighted that 36% of the total disease burden could have been prevented or reduced by addressing modifiable risk factors. Overweight and obesity emerged as the top contributors to this burden, surpassing tobacco use, which had previously held the top position.

The AIHW reported that being overweight accounted for 8.3% of the total disease burden in 2024. This was higher than the 7.6% attributed to tobacco use and the 4.8% linked to dietary risks. The decline in smoking-related disease burden—down 41% since 2003—was attributed to decreasing smoking rates across the population. “This fall is likely due to declines in smoking prevalence,” said Michelle Gourley, an AIHW spokesperson.

A separate AIHW report from June 2024 indicated that 66% of Australian adults and 26% of children and adolescents were classified as overweight or obese in 2022, underscoring the widespread nature of the issue.

The 2024 report also shed light on other key health concerns. Cancer remained the leading disease group causing the burden, accounting for 16.4% of the total healthy life years lost. Among younger Australians, mental health conditions, suicide, and self-inflicted injuries were identified as the primary contributors to disease burden.

The findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted interventions to address overweight and obesity, including public health initiatives focusing on lifestyle changes, healthy eating, and physical activity. They also underscore the importance of sustaining tobacco control measures to further reduce smoking prevalence and related health risks.

This shift in leading risk factors reflects changing public health challenges in Australia and highlights the growing impact of lifestyle-related diseases on the nation's overall health. The AIHW report serves as a call to action for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and communities to prioritize strategies that mitigate preventable health risks and promote a healthier future.