National Health Survey Summary of Results 2004 - 05 from ABS

More Australian adults were overweight or obese and more drank alcohol at risky or high risk levels in 2004-5 than in 2001, according to results from the 2004-05 Australian Bureau of Statistics National Health Survey. In 2004-05 the majority of Australians aged 15 years and over considered their health to be very good or excellent (up from 52% in 2001).

Contains a cross-section of survey results, including selected national statistics about long-term illnesses experienced; mental wellbeing; injuries; consultations with doctors and other health professionals; and health risk factors including alcohol consumption, smoking, exercise, body mass and dietary practices.

In 2004-05 the majority of Australians aged 15 years and over considered their health to be very good or excellent (up from 52% in 2001).

Main findings include:

Overweight: When body mass index was calculated from reported height and weight, 62% of men and 45% of women were classified in the overweight or obese groups. The proportion of adults classified as overweight or obese increased over the last ten years: for men from 52% to 62% and for women from 37% to 45%.

Alcohol: For both men and women, the highest proportions drinking at risky or high risk levels were recorded in the middle age groups; for example, 18% of men and 13% of women in the 55-64 year age group.

Smoking: Approximately one in four adults (23%) were smokers in 2004-5 and in 2001. More men than women were current smokers (26% and 20% respectively) and for both men and women the prevalence of smoking was highest in the younger age groups (34% of men and 26% of women aged 18-34 years smoked).

Exercise: Two thirds of adults (66%) had exercised for recreation, sport or fitness in the two weeks prior to interview, similar to the 2001 NHS result. Moderate and vigorous exercise was most common among younger age groups, while the highest proportions walking for exercise were recorded for the 55-64 and 65-74 year age groups (around 54%).

Further details are in National Health Survey: Summary of Results, Australia 2004-5 (cat. no. 4364.0).

Follow this link to the ABS website to download the National Health Survey: Summary of Results, Australia 2004-5 (opens in a new browser window)

For further information

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