The need for better information and resources

Development of the Indigenous overweight and obesity web resource recognises the importance of healthy weight to many aspects of health and wellbeing, including:

  • cardiovascular disease (including stroke);
  • type 2 diabetes;
  • some cancers;
  • osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal problems;
  • kidney and gall-bladder disease; and
  • respiratory problems.

As well, obesity can damage self-esteem and contribute to mental illness.

All these health issues contribute to the relatively poor health status of Indigenous peoples, so reduced levels of overweight and obesity among Indigenous people could play a major role in improving health status.

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Content of the Indigenous overweight and obesity web resource

New information and materials relevant to overweight and obesity among Indigenous peoples are added to this web resource progressively, and in time it will be expanded to include: reviews and background information; policies and strategies; programs, projects and lessons; guidelines; health promotion resources; publications; and information about and links to relevant organisations and other agencies. It also provide links to related HealthInfoNet pages - including ones on cardiovascular disease (view CVD web resource), diabetes (view web pages) and nutrition (view web page) - and links to a new HealthInfoNet web resource about physical activity among Indigenous peoples (view Indigenous physical activity web resource).

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Development of the resource

Development of the Indigenous overweight and obesity web resource is being undertaken by the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet with the support of the National Heart Foundation of Australia (view website), which has generously provided initial funding to get the resource underway.

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Last updated: 20 October 2006