Trends

Rates of overweight and obesity have increased rapidly around the world in recent decades. Among Australian children, this trend has mostly been due to an increase in the prevalence of overweight. In adults, it has been driven by a rise in the prevalence of obesity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience different patterns of prevalence of overweight and obesity. Variations are also seen across socioeconomic areas. Very few Australian children or adults meet dietary guidelines for fruit and vegetable intake, and many have insufficient levels of physical activity.