Obesity warning for Kimberley residents

A local doctor and weight-loss author has warned Kimberley residents about the perils of obesity, amid shocking figures released last week by the WA Health Department.

Obesity is costing WA public hospitals more than $240 million a year, with the number of people suffering from weight-related illness such as type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis and heart disease on the rise.

The figures were collected based on 2011's admission of more than 62,000 patients across the State, with costs projected to rise to close to half a billion dollars by 2021.

Issues surrounding obesity in the Kimberley have been well publicised in the past.

In 2013, Department of Health statistics showed chronic illness linked to obesity and being overweight were affecting 75 per cent of Shire of Derby/West Kimberley residents.

With the latest figures in mind, Broome doctor Anita Campbell has warned people living in the Kimberley of the dangers of obesity and admitted that resources for some communities in the fight against weight-related illness were not readily available.

"In many parts of Australia, especially in remote and rural areas, clinical services and programs for health promotion and disease prevention are inadequate," she said.

"Some indigenous communities have reduced access to healthy food, primary health care and education related to weight.

"Up here proper education surrounding nutrition is not easily accessible to everyone."

Dr Campbell can relate to people struggling with obesity and practises what she preaches. She kicked weight issues to lose 35kg through sensible diet and exercise in the past.

Dr Campbell documented her weight-loss journey, with her memoirs, Good Friends Bring Salad, published in 2006.

She went on to appear in positive articles in the Women's Day and Sydney Morning Herald and also made television appearances on the Kerri Anne Morning Show and A Current Affair. The health professional was quick to list the benefits of weight loss and said shedding the pounds was a way to improve your life and wellbeing.

"Direct health benefits include the reduction of diabetes and hypertension and other things that can cause chronic health problems," she said.

"People will also experience increased energy, a more active lifestyle, feeling better about themselves, have more confidence and are fitter - which helps to prevent health problems."

Dr Campbell hosted the Pulse 20-Week Weight Loss Challenge last year, with the group meeting once a week for a lecture series based around nutrition and exercise.

Activities included Zumba, boxing, walking classes and cooking classes.

With the participants losing on average between 10 and 15 per cent of their body weight over the 20 weeks, Dr Campbell intends to run the challenge again this year in early March.