4835.0.55.001 - Physical Activity in Australia: A Snapshot, 2007-08  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 09/09/2011   
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CHANGES OVER TIME


In Australia there has been an increase in the prevalence of sedentary behaviour among adults since 2001. After adjusting for age, around 36% of people aged 18 years and over were sedentary in the two weeks prior to interview in 2007-08, up four percentage points from 32% in 2001. The proportion of people who exercised at moderate levels decreased slightly, from 24% in 2001 to 22% in 2007-08, while the proportions who exercised at low or high levels remained similar.

In this period, the proportion of men who were sedentary increased from 31% to 35%, and the corresponding proportion for women rose from 32% to 36% (Graphs 2.1 and 2.2).

2.1 Level of exercise(a), Men(b)

Graph-2.1 Level of exercise, men

    (a) Level of exercise undertaken for fitness, recreation or sport in last 2 weeks.
    (b) Age standardised to the 2001 estimated resident population.

    Source: National Health Survey, 2007-08

2.2 Level of exercise(a), Women(b)
    Graph-2.2 Level of exercise, women
      (a) Level of exercise undertaken for fitness, recreation or sport in last 2 weeks.
      (b) Age standardised to the 2001 estimated resident population.

      Source: National Health Survey, 2007-08