Over 50% of Australians feel fat: survey

More than half of all Australians consider themselves to be overweight, according to research revealed just days ahead of the "high-fat fiesta" that is Easter.

A survey, conducted by Newspoll and commissioned by dietary firm Weight Watchers,
has found almost six in 10 Australians (59 per cent) considered themselves to be
overweight.
Less than a quarter (22 per cent) said they did regular exercise.
About a fifth of respondents (17 per cent) said they were not satisfied with their
health, while 16 per cent admitted to having a "couch potato" attitude towards
exercise.
Dietician and Weight Watchers consultant Emma Stirling says the figures underlined
the need for a new focus on dietary "moderation" along with regular exercise.
But the poor poll results were unlikely to be turned around this weekend, she also
conceded, as many Australians would be eating their fill of chocolate and hot cross
buns.
"Everybody loves an Easter treat and the long weekend is a great time to catch up
with friends and family at a celebratory lunch," Ms Stirling said.
"It's important to keep everything in moderation and not indulge in a blow-out ...
don't succumb to a high-fat fiesta."
The online survey took in the responses of 1,205 Australians aged 18 to 64, and it
was conducted in December last year.