Wyndham residents are being urged to do more to avoid the impacts of ‘toxic fat’.
The state government’s LiveLighter campaign, supported by both the Cancer Council and Heart Foundation, will raise awareness of the danger of having fat surrounding vital organs, which increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
Mayor Bob Fairclough hopes the initiative, which will include local programs and advertising campaigns, will encourage residents to eat more healthy food and lose weight.
“Local health statistics paint a worrying picture, with just over half of all adults in Wyndham being overweight or obese and just under a third not getting adequate exercise,” Cr Fairclough said.
“Nearly 60 per cent of us don’t meet the daily fruit and dietary guidelines, which is not helped by the fact we have seven times more fast-food outlets than fresh food outlets.”
LiveLighter ambassador Kate Bullock has joined the campaign to encourage parents to change their eating habits.
The mother of two-year-old twin boys runs four community kitchens for mothers at Wyndham Vale’s Eco-Living Centre.
“When I had my kids, I tried to teach myself what I could cook for them that’s healthy,’’ Ms Bullock said.
‘‘I’m slowly trying to change my own habits and now I want to teach other people.
‘‘So many kids are eating junk food these days when they don’t have to. It’s important for mums to know they can make their own snacks for their kids. They can give them a biscuit, but it can have oats and fruit in it and be healthier.”
For more details about the program, visit www.livelighter.com.au
Kate Bullock with sons Samuel and Matthew. Photo: Joe Mastroianni
