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Young Aussie women, couch potatoes?

Young Aussie women, couch potatoes?

A recent survey by Priceline Pharmacy shows that young Australian women have poor nutrition and aren’t exercising nearly enough.

Young women are more likely to be couch potatoes, says Priceline survey.
Young women are more likely to be couch potatoes, says Priceline survey.

 

When it comes to exercise and nutrition, women aged between 16 and 24 are eating poorly and not getting up off the couch, says Priceline Pharmacy’s 2015 National Women’s Health Report.

The report found that 72 per cent of young Australian (aged 16 to 24) are eating poorly, while 65 per cent of the same age group undertake insufficient levels of exercise.

Melanie McGrice, dietician for Priceline Pharmacy, says such high rates of couch potatoes (and potato chips!) in young Australian women is disappointing. “I’m always shocked to see the high numbers of Australian women with poor nutrition,” says McGrice. “Especially given the great food and amount of information readily available!”

 

Women aged 16-24 are ordering fried foods on a regular basis, says survey.
Women aged 16-24 are ordering fried foods on a regular basis, says survey.

 

Women aged 65 and older on the other hand are a bit more likely to get up off the couch and take note of what they eat, says the study. A comparably smaller 42 per cent were found by the study to have poor nutritional habits. Still, over half (58 per cent) are still undertaking insufficient levels of exercise, so there is work to be done amongst this age group too.

And there is more to exercise than just keeping trim – the study highlighted the strong link between physical and mental health. Individuals who recorded poor mental health were nearly 5 times more likely to skip meals, 1.3 times more likely to say “no thanks” to fruit and vegetables, and 11 times more likely to order fries (or fried anything for that matter) on a regular basis.

 

Women who don't exercise are more likely to suffer from mental health issues.
Women who don’t exercise are more likely to suffer from mental health issues.

 

How is this the case when there is so much information out there telling us to eat healthy foods and get physical?

“I find that busy lives, not prioritising our own health, and a lack of cooking skills can all play a significant role in poor eating habits, especially when it comes to getting enough fruit and veg,” says Melanie McGrice. “Good nutrition is vital for keeping us healthy, inside and out. Unfortunately, a poor diet can also have a significant impact our energy levels, immunity and mental health.”

 

 

 

Have your say: do you see young clients with poor eating and exercise habits coming through your salon? How does it affect there skin?

 

 

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2 thoughts on “Young Aussie women, couch potatoes?”

  1. It is all about prioritising your lifestyle, just how many late nights do you need to socialise, why not have a cooking session and invite your friends and compare recipes to get healthy as well as starting a small garden in the back yard or on the patio – you are breathing fresh air and connecting with nature. You can also share your produce of vegetables or herbs. Wake up early and watch a sunrise eat vitamin C fruit and obtain your vitamin D from the sun at the same time. Play a game outside – croquet, badminton. These are just sedentary starters to a healthier you.

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