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The obesity epidemic: both energy intake and physical activity contribute

Christina O Stubbs and Amanda J Lee
Med J Aust 2004; 181 (9): . || doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2004.tb06406.x
Published online: 1 November 2004

Recent data from Australia, the United States and Europe show increased self-reported energy intake associated with obesity, in contrast to earlier suggestions that the obesity epidemic has occurred despite minimal or no increase in per capita energy intake from food. The effect of increased energy intake is compounded by sedentary lifestyles. Both physical activity and nutrition must be addressed to reduce the prevalence of obesity and improve the health of Australians.


  • Statewide Health Promotion Unit, Queensland Health, Brisbane, QLD.


Correspondence: 

Competing interests:

None identified.

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