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Increase in prevalence of obesity and diabetes and decrease in plasma cholesterol in a central Australian aboriginal
R McDermott1, K G Rowley, A J Lee
1Monash University, Centre for Population Health and Nutrition, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, VIC.
The Medical Journal of Australia
|July 21, 2000
Summary
Obesity and diabetes prevalence increased in a rural Aboriginal community despite a nutrition program. Healthy food access and physical activity are crucial for metabolic health.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and dietary patterns are critical health concerns in Indigenous Australian populations.
- Understanding trends in obesity, diabetes, and related factors is essential for targeted public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To track changes in obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease risk factors over eight years in a rural Aboriginal community.
- To analyze trends in macronutrient intake during the same period.
Main Methods:
- Utilized sequential cross-sectional community surveys in 1987, 1991, and 1995.
- Included all adults (15+ years), with participation rates ranging from 68% to 87%.
- Assessed body mass index, waist:hip ratio, glucose levels, cholesterol, triglycerides, and dietary intake via store turnover.
Main Results:
- Observed significant increases in obesity (OR 1.84) and diabetes (OR 1.83) by the eight-year follow-up.
- Younger women (15-24 years) showed a marked rise in obesity and a four- to fivefold increase in diabetes prevalence.
- Despite a reduction in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats, dyslipidemia (high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol) increased significantly (OR 4.54).
Conclusions:
- Nutritional interventions alone may be insufficient to reverse rising obesity and diabetes trends.
- Emphasizing regular physical activity is vital, especially in communities with limited healthy food options, to improve metabolic fitness.