Moreland health statistics alarming

Media Release from Cr Oscar Yildiz JP, Moreland Mayor

Wednesday 2 March 2011, Moreland City Council

Moreland Mayor Cr Oscar Yildiz is kicking obesity where it hurts by urging residents to get active and take advantage of all that Moreland has to offer.

A recent research project by Victorian Population Health has shown that more than half of all males in Moreland, and just under half of all females are overweight or obese. 

“Moreland offers a wide range of programs and opportunities to help improve the health and wellbeing of residents and I would encourage people to get involved and make a lifestyle change for the better,” said Cr Yildiz.

Providing several fitness facilities and encouraging residents to improve their health and wellbeing through health promotion initiatives are just some of the many ways Council is working to provide healthy opportunities for Moreland residents.

“With such a high obesity problem in our municipality this is clearly something we should focus our efforts on and try and get people motivated enough get do something about it.” 

Among the many problems associated with obesity is Type 2 diabetes and according to Diabetes Australia data the increase in Moreland was 112 per cent over the 7 years from 2001 – 2008 and estimated that 80 per cent of all cases can be prevented. 

Adding to these alarming statistics, Moreland ranked third highest in Melbourne and according to the Victorian Population Health survey, Moreland residents have a significantly higher prevalence of Type 2 diabetes at 7 per cent compared with the rest of Victoria at 4.8 per cent.

“Eating well and staying fit is the best way to ward off health problems such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, as well as maintaining a good quality of life for longer.” Cr Yildiz said.

“Although it is difficult to kick bad habits, the benefits of a healthy lifestyle are well worth the hard work,” Cr Yildiz added.

Mayor Cr Yildiz kick started his fight against obesity this week when he was a guest at a taekwondo class in Coburg and will be soon launching the Healthy Eating CALDCOM Storyboard which aims to educate Moreland’s growing culturally and linguistically diverse community.

For more information about these and other programs and initiatives that aim to get people active visit activemoreland.com.au