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New national figures show we're still not moving

Monday December 10, 2007

Despite extensive education campaigns and millions in government spending, nearly half of all Australians (47 percent) are still not sufficiently active for good health.

Alarming new research – the first national survey of physical activity levels across the whole of Australia for six years - has found that one in five Australians (19 percent) fail to walk even 10 minutes continuously in one week.

The research, published today in the Pfizer Australia Health Report and produced in conjunction with Sports Medicine Australia, suggests that long hours at work, increasingly lengthy commute times and lack of recreational facilities in the workplace are playing a significant role in promoting sedentary behaviours.

This has prompted health experts to identify the workplace as the next frontier in the battle to overcome the nation’s obesity epidemic.

“The research holds major significance for Australia’s public health policies. Politicians talk about encouraging all Australians to stay in the workplace for longer, but how can they if they are unfit and unhealthy?” asks Professor Wendy Brown from the University of Queensland, Sports Medicine Australia’s Public Health Spokesperson.

But there is a solution: Contrary to popular belief the amount of daily exercise required for good health is not huge. According to current guidelines, all that is required is 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity – like brisk walking - which can even be broken down into two 15 minute blocks.

Despite this the Pfizer Australia Health Report has found that close to one in two Australians (46 percent) still wrongly believe you need to ‘puff, pant and sweat’ to get health benefits from physical activity.

According to the findings:
• 62 percent of Australians believe that the amount of time spent at work limits their physical activity
• No less than 64 percent say their workplace does not allow for physical activity during the working day
• 72 percent report no recreation options or support facilities such as showers to encourage physical activity

Commute times limit physical activity for 40 percent of those surveyed and the hours spent at work mean more pre-prepared meals and take-away for 32 percent.

“Physical activity has many benefits other than the prevention of obesity. We really need to start looking at ways of making it easier for workers to fit physical activity into their day. This is an issue which impacts various levels of government policy including transport, roads and housing,” Professor Brown added.

“It can be as simple as getting out of the boardroom and initiating walking meetings. It may not be possible for large meetings with numerous people, but instead of sitting down one on one with someone, why not get outside and walk while you talk.”

Other key findings of this month’s Pfizer Australia Health Report include:
• 66 percent of all Australians did not meet recommended guidelines for moderate intensity physical activity in the last week
• 16 percent of Australians were classified as completely sedentary
• Over seven in ten Australian adults feel that children under 18 years today are less physically active than they were at the same age

Sports Medicine Australia has collaborated with Pfizer Australia to assist with educating the public about the importance of being active and produce this month’s edition of the Pfizer Australia Health Report. Filled with useful information, free copies can be requested by phoning 1800 675 229 or by visiting www.healthreport.com.au where people can also sign-up for email alerts of future editions.

Findings are based on responses from 1,454 Australian adults. The research was conducted in July 2007 by independent consultants Stollznow Research.

Pfizer Australia is the nation’s leading research-based health care company, investing over $A45m in local research and development annually. It develops, manufactures and markets innovative medical treatments for both humans and animals. For more information, visit the links on this website.