Preventive Health Unit
Measured obesity in Queensland 2011–12
Measured obesity in Queensland 2011–12
About this report
This report is designed for a technical audience, and assumes knowledge of technical aspects of
the measurement and monitoring of overweight and obesity. It assumes familiarity with survey
methodologies and the national health survey series. Detailed information about the Australian
Health Survey 2011–12 is publicly available at www.abs.gov.au/australianhealthsurvey
This report uses survey data released publicly by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The
Department of Health, Queensland Government was, however, solely responsible for the
extraction, analysis and statistical interpretation of the data presented in this report. Statistical
interpretation is based on methods described by the ABS as well as margin of error assessment.1
Data from surveys conducted by the Queensland Government, Department of Health (formerly
Queensland Heath) are released publically and sources cited.2
Suggested citation: Department of Health. Measured obesity in Queensland 2011–12. Department
of Health, Queensland Government, Brisbane 2013.
Published by the State of Queensland (Queensland Health), September 2013
This document is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia licence.
To view a copy of this licence, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au
© State of Queensland (Queensland Health) 2013
You are free to copy, communicate and adapt the work, as long as you attribute the State of
Queensland (Queensland Health). For copyright information contact [email protected]
This document is available at: www.health.qld.gov.au/epidemiology/publications/other.asp
For more information contact:
Manager, Epidemiology
Preventive Health Unit
Department of Health
PO Box 2368
Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
[email protected]
(07) 3328 9275
ii
Measured obesity in Queensland 2011–12
Summary
In 2011–12, for only the second time since 1995, the prevalence of measured overweight and obesity was
determined in a national survey of Australian adults and children—the Australian Health Survey (AHS).
Physical measurement of height and weight is the most accurate method for measuring the true prevalence
of overweight and obesity. For reliable trend analysis, multiple data points are required, so physical
measurement is not yet suitable for this purpose. In contrast, annual estimates and trends in self reported or
proxy reported overweight and obesity in Queensland are undertaken from the state surveillance system as
required for Queensland Government Service Delivery Statements, Council of Australian Governments
(COAG) reporting, the Chief Health Officer report series and related publications.
Prevalence:
• In 2011–12, 64.9% of Queensland adults were measured as overweight or obese—34.5% were
overweight and 30.4% obese.
• By self report 57.7% of adults were overweight or obese in 2012—35.0% overweight and 22.7%
obese.
• In 2011–12, 27.5% of Queensland children were measured as overweight or obese while by proxy
report 26.6% were in 2011.
• Compared to measured prevalence in adults, self report significantly underestimated overweight and
obesity by 11% in 2012, where the underestimation was associated with self reported obesity (25%
underestimation) not self reported overweight (no underestimation).
• For children, there was no significant difference between proxy reporting and measurement for either
overweight or obesity in 2011.
Trends:
• Over the short term, between 2007–08 and 2011–12, there was a 7% significant increase in the
prevalence of measured overweight and obesity in Queensland adults—with an increase evident
nationally and in some of the jurisdictions.
• The change in adult overweight and obesity between 2007–08 and 2011–12 was driven entirely by
increasing levels of obesity—there being no change in the proportion of overweight.
• Since the early 1990s, there has been a three-fold increase in the prevalence of self reported obesity
in Queensland and nationally—an increase of 0.7 percentage points per year for Queensland and for
Australia. The prevalence of overweight has changed very little over the long term, and has
plateaued in the past decade.
• In 2007–08, 28.7% of Queensland adults self reported an increase in their body mass in the previous
12 months, 18.3% reported a decrease and 53.0% stayed the same. The proportion reporting an
increase was greater in Queensland than nationally (13% higher) and highest of the jurisdictions.
Queensland adults who were measured as obese were significantly more likely to report an increase
in body mass than normal weight adults (40% more likely).
• Overweight females were more likely to have either gained weight or lost weight than all other
groups, followed by obese females.
• For children, there was no change in the prevalence of measured overweight and obesity (whether
assessed together or separately) between 2007–08 and 2011–12 for Queensland or for Australia,
although small non-significant increases were observed. Using limited measurement data to assess
long-term trends in childhood overweight and obesity in Australia, a substantial increase was
observed between 1985 and 2007–08, but since then has plateaued. No long-term data specific to
Queensland is available.
National and jurisdictional differences:
• The prevalence of measured obesity in Queensland adults was significantly higher than the national
prevalence (10% higher) and highest of all the jurisdictions.
• The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Queensland adults was however similar to national
prevalence and third highest among the jurisdictions.
• The increase in measured adult obesity between 2007–08 and 2011–12 was higher in Queensland
(22%) than the national increase (12%) and higher than other jurisdictions. This resulted in
Queensland having the highest rate of adult obesity among the jurisdictions in 2011–12, while in
2007–08 it was third highest.
• In 2011–12, the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in Queensland was not significantly
different to national, although second highest of all the jurisdictions. Childhood obesity prevalence in
Queensland was highest among the jurisdictions although not significantly different to national
prevalence.
• Queensland children were more likely to have a larger waist circumference and less likely to have a
smaller waist circumference than children nationally.
iii
Measured obesity in Queensland 2011–12
Contents
About this report................................................................................................................................. ii Summary........................................................................................................................................... iii 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 1 2. Prevalence ................................................................................................................................. 1 Adults ......................................................................................................................................... 1 Children ..................................................................................................................................... 1 3. Self report versus physical measurement .................................................................................. 1 Adults ......................................................................................................................................... 1 Children ..................................................................................................................................... 2 4. Trends in overweight and obesity .............................................................................................. 2 Adults: short-term trends ........................................................................................................... 2 Adults: long-term trends ............................................................................................................. 3 Adults: short-term self reported weight change ......................................................................... 4 Children: long-term trends ......................................................................................................... 6 Children: short-term trends ........................................................................................................ 6 5. National and jurisdictional comparisons .................................................................................... 6 Adults ......................................................................................................................................... 6 Children ..................................................................................................................................... 7 6. Methods and data sources ........................................................................................................ 7 7. References ................................................................................................................................ 8 iv
Measured obesity in Queensland 2011–12
Introduction
Estimates of key preventive health indicators such as overweight and obesity are critically
dependent on how the information is collected. Most jurisdictions in Australia have a self report
surveillance system based on annual surveys or continuous data collection to monitor trends in
health behaviours. Every three to four years a national survey is conducted to monitor the health of
the Australian population and to provide comparative jurisdictional estimates and national
benchmarking. Physical measurements were included in only the two most recent surveys and
clinical measurement in the most recent. The national survey also includes a specialised
component to survey Indigenous Australians.
The most recent national survey was conducted in 2011–12, the Australian Health Survey (AHS).3
The AHS is unique—it is the first time in over a decade that diabetes, cholesterol and blood
pressure have been measured in the Australian population and only the second time in the 18
years since 1995 that overweight and obesity has been measured. Direct measurement provides
the most accurate assessment of these critical chronic disease indicators. First release of AHS
data commenced in December 2012 and included measured overweight and obesity (based on the
physical measurement of height and weight), high blood pressure as well as prevalence of longterm conditions, self reported nutrition and physical activity, for children and adults.3 Body Mass
Index (BMI) data reissued in June 2013 included the full survey sample and was used for this
report.4 Diabetes and cholesterol prevalence data was released in August 2013 and detailed
nutrition data will be released in late 2013. Results from the survey of Indigenous Australians will
be released in late 2014.
The objective of this report is to provide a snapshot of measured obesity in Queensland (including
a comparison with self report and proxy report estimations) to assess short-term and long-term
trends for children and adults and to compare Queensland with the nation and other jurisdictions.
1. Prevalence
Adults
About 2 in 3 or 64.9% of Queensland adults were measured as overweight or obese—34.5% were
overweight and 30.4% were obese in 2011–12 (Table 1).4 In the 2012 state survey, 57.7% of
Queensland adults self reported overweight or obesity—35.0% reported overweight and 22.7%
obesity.5
Children
About 1 in 4 or 27.5% of 5–17 year olds in Queensland were measured as overweight or obese—
18.2% were overweight and 9.3% were obese in 2011–12 (Table 2).4 In a state survey in 2011
based on proxy reporting 26.6% of Queensland children were overweight or obese—18.1% were
overweight and 8.5% were obese.6
2. Self report versus physical measurement
Adults
By self report, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Queensland adults in 2012 was 11%
lower than by measurement in 2011–12 (significantly lower), and in 2008 it was 10% lower than in
2007–08 (Table 1).
Considering overweight and obesity separately, there was a significant difference between self
reported and measured obesity but not for overweight (Table 1). In 2012, self reported obesity
prevalence was 25% lower than measured obesity (significantly lower) and in 2008 it was 16%
lower. For overweight, in 2012, self reported prevalence was the same, while in 2008 it was 6%
lower. Bias in self report is an acknowledged limitation, and is reported to be higher among obese
adults, as well as females, some socioeconomic groups of males and older people.7
1
Measured obesity in Queensland 2011–12
Children
By proxy report, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Queensland children in 2011 was 3%
lower than measured prevalence (not significantly different), while in 2009 it was 10% lower than in
2007–08 (Table 2).
Considering the estimation of childhood overweight and obesity separately, there was no
significant difference between proxy reported estimates and measured estimates in 2011. While
proxy report underestimated measured obesity prevalence by a non-significant 9% in 2011, in
2009 there was no difference (Table 2). Similarly for overweight, in 2011 there was no difference
although in 2009 there was an 11% difference.
It is acknowledged that the collection period for the 2009 state proxy report survey did not align
with the 2007–08 national measurement survey. Also, significance testing could not be conducted
for 2008 adult data and 2009 proxy data as the standard error of the prevalence estimates was
unavailable from these collections.
Table 1. Self reported and measured overweight and obesity in adults, Queensland
Measured (national survey)
Overweight
Obese
Overweight and obese
Self report (state survey)
Overweight
Obese
Overweight and obese
2007-08
35.9
24.9
60.8
2008
33.9
20.8
54.7
2011-12
34.5
30.4
64.9
2009
34.1
21.3
55.3
2010
34.2
21.4
55.6
Relative difference (self report/measured)
Overweight
0.94
Obese
0.84
Overweight and obese
0.90
2011
34.5
22.9
57.4
2012
35.0
22.7
57.7
1.01
0.75
0.89
Table 2. Proxy reported and measured overweight and obesity in children 5–17 years, Queensland
Measured (national survey)
Overweight
Obese
Overweight and obese
2007-08
17.9
8.8
27.7
2011-12
18.2
9.3
27.5
Proxy report (state survey)
Overweight
Obese
Overweight and obese
2009
16.0
8.9
25.0
2011
18.1
8.5
26.6
Relative difference (self report/measured)
Overweight
0.89
Obese
1.01
Overweight and obese
0.90
0.99
0.91
0.97
3. Trends in overweight and obesity
Adults: short-term trends
The prevalence of measured overweight and obesity increased significantly between 2007–08 and
2011–12, by 7% in Queensland and by 2% nationally (Table 3). An increase in prevalence was
evident in four jurisdictions while in three it remained steady.
The prevalence of measured obesity alone in Queensland adults increased from 24.9% in 2007–08
to 30.4% in 2011–12—a statistically significant change. The increase in obesity in Queensland was
2
Measured obesity in Queensland 2011–12
also observed nationally and in each of the jurisdictions, however the increase was greater in
Queensland, 22% over the four years, compared to 12% nationally. The higher rate of change in
obesity took Queensland from being third highest prevalence among the jurisdictions in 2007–08 to
highest in 2011–12.
Adults: long-term trends
National surveys that measure height and weight are the most accurate source of information to
assess trends in obesity. However, such sources are limited to three national surveys conducted
by the ABS in 1995, 2007–08 and 2011–12.3,4,8,9 Between 1995 and 2011–12 there was a steady
increase of 0.4 percentage points per year in the prevalence of measured overweight and obesity
(Figure 1A). While the prevalence of overweight remained steady, the prevalence of obesity
increased by 0.5 percentage points per year. This data should be interpreted with caution as it is
based on only three data points nationally. For Queensland there are insufficient data to assess
long-term trends in measured overweight and obesity (two data points).
Considering long-term trends in self reported overweight and obesity in Queensland and Australia,
the rate of change since the early collections of the 1990s is very similar—with obesity tripling from
about 8% in 1990 to about 24% in 2012—an increase of 0.7 percentage points per year for
Australia and Queensland (Figure 1B), with very little change in prevalence of overweight. This
resulted in an overall increase of 1 percentage point per year in the prevalence of self reported
overweight and obesity over the two decades (Figure 1C). The more frequent self report surveys
enable more reliable trend reporting, in contrast with the limited measurement surveys (three
conducted nationally between 1995 and 2012).
Table 3. Measured overweight and obesity in adults, percentage by jurisdiction, 2007–08 and 2011–12
2011-12
Underweight/normal
Overweight
Obese
Overweight/obese
Aus
37.2
35.3
27.5
62.8
Qld
35.1
34.5
30.4
64.9
NSW
38.9
34.7
26.4
61.1
Vic
39.0
35.3
25.7
61.0
SA
33.4
36.8
29.7
66.6
WA
34.8
37.1
28.1
65.2
Tas
35.3
36.9
27.8
64.7
NT
37.9
34.9
27.2
62.1
ACT
37.8
37.1
25.1
62.2
2007-08
Underweight/normal
Overweight
Obese
Overweight/obese
Aus
38.8
36.7
24.6
61.3
Qld
39.2
35.9
24.9
60.8
NSW
38.9
37.3
23.9
61.2
Vic
39.1
36.2
24.7
60.9
SA
38.4
37.3
24.3
61.6
WA
37.3
37.3
25.4
62.7
Tas
36
37.3
26.7
64
NT
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
ACT
42.2
33.8
23.9
57.7
Change (2011-12/2007-08)
Overweight
Obesity
Overweight and obesity
Aus
0.96
1.12
1.02
Qld
0.96
1.22
1.07
NSW
0.93
1.10
1.00
Vic
0.98
1.04
1.00
SA
0.99
1.22
1.08
WA
0.99
1.11
1.04
Tas
0.99
1.04
1.01
3
ACT
1.10
1.05
1.08
Measured obesity in Queensland 2011–12
Figure 1. Trends and prevalence of overweight and obesity in adults:
A. Measured trends Australia and prevalence Queensland
B. Self reported trends, Queensland and Australia
Overweight ‐ Australia
Obese ‐ Australia
Overweight or obese ‐ Australia
Overweight ‐ Queensland
Obese ‐ Queensland
Overweight or obese ‐ Queensland
70
Overweight ‐ Australia
Overweight ‐ Queensland
Obese ‐ Australia
Obese ‐ Queensland
40
Australia
35
Overweight
60
Queensland
30
50
Percentage
Percentage
25
40
30
20
Australia
20
Queensland
15
10
10
Obesity
5
Two data points for Queensland‐trend not assesable
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1989
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1990
0
0
C. Measured and self reported trends, Queensland and Australia
Self report overweight and obese ‐ Australia
Measured overweight and obese ‐ Australia
Self report overweight and obese ‐ Queensland
Measured overweight and obese ‐ Queensland
70
60
Percentage
50
40
Australia
Australia
Queensland
30
20
10
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
0
Adults: short-term self reported weight change
In 2007–08, 53% of Queensland adults reported no change in their body mass in the previous 12
months, 18.3% reported a decrease and 28.7% an increase in body mass (Table 4).10 Nationally,
55.3% of Australian adults reported no change, 19.3% a decrease and 25.4% an increase in body
mass.11 The proportion reporting an increase was significantly higher in Queensland than in the
nation (13% higher).
Obese adults were more likely to report an increase in body mass in the previous 12 months than
overweight adults and were significantly more likely to do so than those in the normal weight
range* (33.5%, 28.8% and 23.9% respectively) (Figure 2). Obese males were significantly more
likely to have reported an increase in body mass than overweight males (33.4% compared to
23.5%) whereas for females there was no difference between those obese and those overweight
(33.5% compared to 35.9%).
4
Measured obesity in Queensland 2011–12
Females who were overweight were most likely to report an increase in body mass, followed by
obese females and obese males (Figure 2). Overweight females and obese females were also
most likely to report a decrease in body mass. As would therefore be expected, overweight and
obese females were least likely to report no change in body mass, with normal weight males most
likely to report no change.
Considering only significant sex differences in weight change—overweight females were 53%
more likely to report weight gain than overweight males, obese females were 57% more likely to
report a decrease in body weight than obese males, and overweight males were 32% more likely
to report no change compared to overweight females.
*Note: For the purpose of self reported weight change analysis alone, the normal weight range was
defined by the BMI category 20.00–24.99 due to data limitations.
Figure 2. Self assessed change in body mass in the previous 12 months by BMI status and sex, adults, Queensland
2007–08
20
20
10
10
10
0
0
0
Normal weight males
Obese males
Normal weight males
Obese males
20
Normal weight males
30
Normal weight females
30
Overweight males
30
Overweight females
40
Overweight males
40
Normal weight females
40
Obese females
50
Overweight females
50
Overweight males
50
Obese males
60
Normal weight
females
60
Obese females
Decreased 70
60
Overweight females
Percentage
Increased 70
Obese females
No change 70
Table 4. Self assessed change in body mass in the previous year by measured BMI status by sex, percentage, adults,
10
Queensland, 2007–08
Underweight
Normal range
Normal range
(BMI 18.5-19.99) (BMI 20.00-24.99)
Overweight
Obese
Total (a)
Males
Increased body mass
np
np
21.3
23.5
33.4
26.2
Decreased body mass
np
np
15.6
20.2
13.0
16.7
Stayed the same
**34.0
60.0
63.1
56.3
53.6
57.1
Total
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
Females
Increased body mass
np
np
25.7
35.9
33.5
31.0
Decreased body mass
np
np
19.3
21.5
20.4
19.8
68.6
46.8
55.0
42.6
46.1
49.2
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
Stayed the same
Total (b)
Persons
Increased body mass
*32.7
*32.1
23.9
28.8
33.5
28.7
Decreased body mass
*10.1
*17.6
17.7
20.7
16.8
18.3
57.1
50.3
58.4
50.5
49.7
53.0
Total (b)
100.0
100.0
100.0
* estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution
100.0
100.0
100.0
Stayed the same
** estimate has a relative standard error greater than 50% and is considered too unreliable for general use
np not available for publication but included in totals where applicable, unless otherwise indicated
(a) Excludes those for whom height and weight were not stated.
(b) Excludes females who volunteered that they were pregnant.
5
Measured obesity in Queensland 2011–12
Children: long-term trends
There are limited data sources to assess long-term trends in obesity in children, with national
surveys conducted in 1995, 2007–08 and 2011–12.3,8,9 In addition a school measurement survey
was conducted in Australia in 1985 and showed that 1% of Australian children aged 7–15 years
were obese and 10% overweight (Figure 3). While the prevalence of childhood overweight and
obesity increased nationally up to the period 2007–08, since then there has been no significant
change. There is insufficient data to assess long-term trends in childhood overweight and obesity
in Queensland.
Children: short-term trends
Between 2007–08 and 2011–12 there was a small (3%), non-significant, increase in the proportion
of overweight and obese children in Queensland (Table 5). This was similar to the change in
national prevalence (4%, non-significant increase). This is in marked contrast to the change
between 1995 and 2007–08 when the proportion of combined overweight and obesity, increased
by 19%—a 10% increase in overweight and 47% in obesity.9
Figure 3. Prevalence of measured overweight and obesity in children, Queensland 2007–08 and 2011–12, Australia
1985 to 2011–12
Queensland overweight and obese
Overweight ‐ Australia
Obese ‐ Australia
Overweight and obese ‐ Australia
30
25
Queensland overweight
Perecentage
20
15
Queensland obese
10
5
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
1989
1988
1987
1986
1985
0
1985 and1995: 7‐15 years 2007‐08 and 2011‐12: 5‐17 years
4. National and jurisdictional comparisons
Adults
In 2011–12, 62.8% of Australian adults were measured as overweight or obese compared with
64.9% of Queensland adults—a non-significant difference, as it was in 2007–08. In 2011–12,
among the jurisdictions, Queensland had the third highest prevalence of measured overweight and
obesity (Table 3).4
However, the rate of measured adult obesity in Queensland was significantly higher than
national—10% higher—and highest of the jurisdictions (30.4% compared with 27.5% nationally). If
the rate of adult obesity in Queensland was the same as the national rate there would have been
about 100,000 fewer obese adults.
The prevalence of overweight in Queensland adults did not differ from national prevalence, 34.5%
compared to 35.3% respectively.
6
Measured obesity in Queensland 2011–12
Children
Using the national survey to assess childhood obesity in Queensland, 18.2% of 5–17 year olds
were measured overweight in 2011–12, and 9.3% were obese, a combined total of 27.5%
overweight and obese (Table 5).3 In 2011–12, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in
Queensland children was similar to national, and although not significantly different, was 7% higher
for overweight and obesity combined, 26% higher for obesity alone, but the same for overweight. A
similar pattern was also evident in 2007–08.
Waist circumference was measured for children aged 5–17 years and reported by 10 centimetre
(cm) intervals from less than 60 cm to greater than 90 cm (Table 6). Queensland had the highest
proportion of children with waist circumference 80 cm or greater—21.8 % compared with 17.9%
nationally—a 22% difference. No adjustment was made for differing age structure within the
population, however, as Queensland’s profile within the age group 5–17 years was generally
younger and therefore more likely to have smaller waist circumferences, this finding is a
conservative assessment of excess. All other jurisdictions were lower than Queensland with the
lowest proportion in Western Australia (14.1%) and with the exception of Northern Territory (21%)
the majority were around 17%. Relatively high waist circumference is consistent with the higher
rate of childhood obesity in Queensland, although noting obesity was not significantly higher than
national prevalence. Furthermore, Queensland children were 14% less likely to report a waist
circumference less than 60 cm, with the proportion lower than all other jurisdictions. Tasmania had
the second highest rate of childhood obesity in the nation in 2011–12, but this was not evident in
higher waist circumference, despite the population tending to be older.
Table 5 Overweight and obesity in children 5–17 years, percentage by jurisdiction, 2007–8 and 2011–12
2011-12
Underweight/normal
Overweight (but not obese)
Obese
Overweight/obese
Aus
74.4
18.3
7.4
25.7
Qld
72.5
18.2
9.3
27.5
NSW
74.4
18.6
7.0
25.6
Vic
76.3
17.6
6.1
23.7
SA
75.9
15.8
8.3
24.1
WA
72.7
20.7
6.6
27.3
Tas
73.2
17.8
8.9
26.8
NT
72.4
18.7
8.9
27.6
ACT
74.5
19.8
5.7
25.5
2007-08
Underweight/normal
Overweight (but not obese)
Obese
Overweight/obese
Aus
75.3
17.2
7.5
24.7
Qld
73.3
17.9
8.8
26.7
NSW
76.5
15.0
8.5
23.5
Vic
74.7
19.3
6.0
25.3
SA
74.2
18.4
*7.4
25.8
WA
74.9
19.7
*5.4
25.1
Tas
81.3
12.0
*6.6
18.6
NT
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
ACT
79.0
15.8
*5.2
21.0
Change (2011-12/2007-08)
Underweight/normal
Overweight (but not obese)
Obese
Overweight/obese
Aus
0.99
1.06
0.99
1.04
Qld
0.99
1.02
1.06
1.03
NSW
0.97
1.24
0.82
1.09
Vic
1.02
0.91
1.02
0.94
SA
1.02
0.86
1.12
0.93
WA
0.97
1.05
1.22
1.09
Tas
0.90
1.48
1.35
1.44
NT
-
ACT
0.94
1.25
1.10
1.21
n/a not available for publication
Table 6 Waist circumference in children 5–17 years, percentage by jurisdiction, 2011–12
Measured waist circumference* (cm)
Less than 60
60 to less than 70
70 to less than 80
80 to less than 90
90 or more
Less than 80 cm
80 cm or greater
Total
Aus
26.1
31.8
24.2
12
6
Qld
22.4
33.5
22.3
14.3
7.5
NSW
25.1
34
23.7
11.1
6.1
Vic
29.1
28.4
25.3
12.4
4.8
SA
22.7
32.3
26.5
12.7
5.8
WA
31.7
28
26.2
9
5.1
Tas
26.6
34.9
22.8
10
5.7
NT
31.8
27.7
19.5
12.6
8.5
ACT
24
33.4
24.2
11.9
6.5
82.1
17.9
100.0
78.2
21.8
100.0
82.8
17.2
100.0
82.8
17.2
100.0
81.5
18.5
100.0
85.9
14.1
100.0
84.3
15.7
100.0
79
21
100.0
81.6
18.4
100.0
* Excludes children for whom waist circumference was not measured (for Australia, 945,300 children aged 2-17 years, or 21.1%).
5. Methods and data sources
The classification of overweight and obesity is based on BMI which is derived from height and
weight as collected by self report survey or by physical measurement. While physical
measurement is a more accurate approach, less costly self report surveys are routinely used to
monitor trends in BMI risk. Self report data is likely to underestimate the true level of overweight
and obesity in the population due to potential bias in reporting height and weight, but noting this
7
Measured obesity in Queensland 2011–12
limitation, data from self report surveys are used in Queensland and most jurisdictions to
demonstrate overall trends.
Population surveys which measured height and weight physically were conducted nationally in
1995, 2007–08 and 2011–12.3,4,8,9 Additionally, self report surveys were undertaken nationally in
1989–90, 2001 and 2004–05.12-14 State-based self report surveys have been conducted routinely in
Queensland over the past decade and annually since 2008.15 State surveys based on proxy
reporting for Queensland children are conducted every two years.
Included in the 2007–08 national survey were questions on self assessed changes in BMI in the
previous 12 months. This data was not available from the 2011–12 survey at the time of analysis.
An important limitation in comparing prevalence between populations and over time is the potential
impact of differing age structures. Age standardisation is necessary to overcome such differences.
All national and jurisdiction differences are assessed on age standardised estimates as released
by ABS, although non-age standardised data are quoted and reported in the text of this report.
Data from the AHS, including margin of error to assess statistical significance between age groups,
sex and jurisdictions are available from the ABS website www.abs.gov.au/australianhealthsurvey
6. References
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Australian Bureau of Statistics. Australian health survey: users' guide. Cat. no.
4363.0.55.001 ABS: Canberra; 2012.
Department of Health, Queensland Government. Epidemiology: health surveys. Available:
http://www.health.qld.gov.au/epidemiology/publications/health-surveys.asp. Accessed 20
Aug 2013.
Australian Bureau of Statistics. Australian health survey: first results, 2011–12 — Australia.
Cat. no. 4364.0.55.001. ABS: Canberra; 2012.
Australian Bureau of Statistics. Australian health survey: updated results, 2011-2012. Cat.
no. 4364.0.55.003 ABS: Canberra; 2013.
Queensland Health. Self reported health status 2012. Health indicators: chronic disease
and behavioural risk factors, Queensland. Queensland Health: Brisbane; 2012.
Queensland Health. Child health status 2011: Queensland report. Queensland Health:
Brisbane; 2011.
Boström G, Diderichsen F. Socioeconomic differentials in misclassification of height, weight
and body mass index based on questionnaire data. International Journal of Epidemiology
1997;26:880-866.
Australian Bureau of Statistics. National health survey: summary results, Australian states
and territories. Cat. no. 4368.0. ABS: Canberra; 1995.
Australian Bureau of Statistics. National health survey: summary of results; state tables
2007-2008 (reissue). Queensland. Cat. no. 4362.0. ABS: Canberra; 2011.
Australian Bureau of Statistics. National health survey: summary of results. State tables.
2007-08 (Re-issue). Cat. no. 4362.0. ABS: Canberra; 2009.
Australian Bureau of Statistics. National health survey: summary of results, 2007-08 (Reissue). Cat. no. 4364.0. ABS: Canberra; 2009.
Australian Bureau of Statistics. 1989-90 National health survey: lifestyle and health. Cat.
no. 4366.0. ABS: Canberra; 1994.
Australian Bureau of Statistics. National health survey - summary of results, Australia. Cat.
no. 4364.0. ABS: Canberra; 2001.
Australian Bureau of Statistics. National health survey: summary of results, 2004-05. Cat.
no. 4364.0. ABS: Canberra; 2006.
Queensland Health. Methods for reporting population health status in Queensland: Release
2: 2012. Queensland Health: Brisbane; 2012.
8