The statistics around weight and obesity in Australia are truly alarming. According to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare statistics, in 2017-18, 67% of Australians aged 18 and over were overweight or obese, compared to 57% in 1995. In addition, a higher proportion of this group are likely to be obese or severely obese in 2017-18 than in 1995, indicating that on average we’re not just carrying a bit more weight, but a lot more.

Our children aren’t immune either, with combined overweight and obesity rates in 5-17 year olds rising from 20% in 1995 to nearly 25% in 2017-18.[1]

These statistics are often attributed to our modern lives where we find ourselves eating more and exercising less as we experience a shift in our diet, habits and lifestyle.

Why are we, as a nation, in this state of poor health?

There are a multitude of factors. Losing weight can be difficult. The temptation put on our plates in front of us is often hard to resist, processed food can be cheaper than good quality fresh produce, and many of us haven’t been taught how to cook properly, or given a good understanding of what constitutes a whole and balanced diet.

On the other side, often we lead busy, sedentary lives characterised by lengthy commutes, or long hours sitting at a desk. In general, we exercise far less than the generations before us, we play less sport, and get less sleep.

Whatever the reasons, and it is different for all of us, over two thirds of our population are currently in the overweight or obese category.

The weight gain doesn’t reflect our efforts at weight loss

At an individual level, these weight statistics are often not an accurate reflection of our attempts to lose weight. Despite the high levels of obesity, and the younger age at which we are suffering from it, the diet industry is enormous, now worth over half a billion dollars per year in Australia alone.[2] You’ve no doubt heard of a lot of these diet plans – the cabbage soup diet, lemon detox, Keto, 5:2, calorie counting, food portioning, blood type diets, you name it, someone has tried it in an effort to lose weight.

Of course, being at an unhealthy weight may lead to other health problems also, such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, mental health concerns and some cancers,[3] giving us even more reasons to do what we can to maintain a healthy weight.

With all these diet plans available, why do we have an obesity crisis?

We can’t comment on the efficacy or not of other diet plans on the market. But we do know that research shows that weight loss can be more achievable if you have appropriate support and guidance. In fact, one study conducted by the UK-based Loughborough University found that weight management interventions delivered by primary care practitioners were effective and helped patients better manage their weight.[4]

That’s why we’ve launched Swift Weight Loss

Our new service Swift Weight Loss is dedicated to helping our patients achieve weight loss, through medically-proven methods appropriate to your own health requirements. No cabbage or lemon only diets here! Importantly, our service also provides that key ingredient – support, from a medical professional, to help you along the way.

This service may include, depending on your own personal medical history and requirements:

• Blood tests – To monitor and manage health risks associated with being overweight or obese, we offer comprehensive blood testing services to check for metabolic disease, including type 2 diabetes and thyroid disease.

• Dietetic support – If appropriate, we may refer you to a dietitian who can provide education and design appropriate meal plans to support weight loss.

• Psychological support – If appropriate, we'll refer you to our own psychologist for additional support.

• Weight loss medications – If appropriate, we provide electronic prescriptions that can be sent directly to your phone by SMS, making it easier to manage and track your medications and you work towards your weight loss goal.

• Weight loss surgery – We may discuss weight loss surgery options such as bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding.

As with all SwiftDoc services, Swift Weight Loss is 100% online – no need to travel to appointments or take time off work to meet with us at inconvenient times.

If you are concerned about your weight, and would like to start a weight loss plan with the help of the SwiftDoc team of professionals, find out more about our new Swift Weight Loss service and book your initial appointment.

Your aim might be to lose weight, but what if you could gain too?

You might have noticed at the top of this story that we highlighted some statistics around the obesity crisis in Australia, and the sheer size of the diet industry that has sprung up in response.

Here at SwiftDoc we have our finger on the pulse, adapting and growing our range of services to meet the health needs of Australians.

It’s why we’ve launched Swift Weight Loss, and it’s also why we’re about to launch a crowdfunding offer, offering every Australian the opportunity to invest in their health, and the health of the nation.

Funds raised in this offer will help us to provide more health services such as Swift Weight Loss via online consultations, reducing wait times, providing convenience, and in turn improving the health of our nation.

We’re about to start seeking expressions of interest for this crowd-funding offer. To find out more, send an email to investor-relations@swiftdoc.com.

This website does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately dial Triple 0 (000).*

References:

1 - Australian Government, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Overweight and obesity. Accessed April 2023. 2 - IbisWorld. Weight Loss Services in Australia – Market size 2008-2029. Accessed April 2023. 3 - Australian Government, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Risk factors to health. Accessed April 2023. 4 - Loughborough University, Doctor knows best: Research shows doctor-led advice on weight management is effective. Accessed April 2023.