Obesity leads in death risk

LIVING with overweight or obesity has surpassed tobacco smoking as the leading risk factor contributing to disease burden in Australia, according to the Australian Burden of Disease Study 2024, released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
The report estimates the millions of years Australians lose to injury, illness, or premature death and examines over 200 diseases and injuries.
It also highlights the impact of 20 modifiable risk factors, including tobacco use, poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity.
“Over one-third of the total burden of disease and injury in 2024 could have been avoided or reduced through modifiable risk factors,” said AIHW spokesperson Ms Michelle Gourley.
In 2024, 5.8 million years of healthy life were lost due to living with disease or dying prematurely. Overweight and obesity accounted for 8.3 per cent of this total burden, surpassing tobacco use at 7.6 per cent.
This shift is partly attributed to a 41 per cent drop in tobacco-related burden since 2003, driven by declining smoking rates and reduced incidences of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Dietary risks (4.8 per cent) and high blood pressure (4.4 per cent) were also significant contributors to disease burden.
Among young males aged 15–24, alcohol and illicit drug use were the leading risk factors, while for young females in the same age group, child abuse and neglect topped the list.
The study revealed a 10 per cent decrease in total disease burden rates between 2003 and 2024, adjusted for population ageing.
This was driven by a 26 per cent reduction in fatal burden, despite a 7 per cent increase in the non-fatal burden rate.
However, while Australians are living longer, years spent in ill health are rising, adding pressure to the health system.
Cancer remained the leading disease group, contributing 16.4 per cent of the total burden, with coronary heart disease (5.5 per cent), dementia (4.5 per cent), and back pain (4.3 per cent) among the top specific causes.
Mental health conditions and self-inflicted injuries were the primary contributors to disease burden in young people, with anxiety and depression ranking highest among females.
“The burden of disease data provides critical evidence for shaping health policy and planning services,” said Ms Gourley.
She also emphasised its role in addressing the complex health challenges that faced so many Australians today.
As the nation grapples with these findings, addressing modifiable risk factors such as obesity and diet will be vital to reducing the disease burden in the years ahead.

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