Gen x becoming the most obese generation

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Studies show that boomers currently have the highest level of obesity of any age group in Australia. However, new research by University of Adelaide PhD student Rhiannon Pilkington has revealed some alarming statistics. As part of her research, she has compared obesity levels between the two generations at equivalent ages. Using data from the National Health Survey, Ms Pilkington compared Generation X in 2008 to boomers at the same age, in 1989. "This comparison paints a very poor picture of Generation X. It gives rise to major concerns for the future health of Gen X and Australia's ability to cope with that burden," says Ms Pilkington, who is conducting her research in the University's Population Research & Outcome Studies group, School of Medicine. "At the same age, Gen X males have nearly double the prevalence of obesity: 18.3% compared with 9.4% for boomers. There is a smaller but still significant difference in females, with 12.7% of Gen X women being obese in 2008 and 10.4% of boomer females obese in 1989.

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Young adults have the freedom to eat, drink, and smoke as they please while their metabolisms help them curtail the threat of America’s obesity epidemic. According to Gallup’s recently released lifestyle data, the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, the Millennial generation has the lowest obesity rate compared to older generations, but their eating and lifestyle habits are far from healthy.

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“Millennials have the least amount of disposable income. That can have the effect of moving them towards less expensive, quicker and more convenient, less nutritious food options,” said Dan Witters, research director for Gallup’s Well-Being Index, in a statement. “Look at what they’ve done over time. The Millennials are managing to buck that trend. They’re keeping their obesity at a comparatively low level.”

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