Generation Xers are on track to pass Baby Boomers when it comes to obesity rates, according to a new study out of Australia by the University of Adelaide.
Researchers said studies show that boomers now have the highest level of obesity of any age group. But when they compared rates between boomers and Gen Xers at equivalent levels, the younger generation has a far higher rate of obesity than their elders.
Using data from Australia’s National Health Survey, lead researcher Rhiannon Pilkington compared obesity levels of Generation X in 2008 to Baby Boomers at the same age, in 1989.
"At the same age, Gen X males have nearly double the prevalence of obesity: 18.3 percent compared with 9.4 percent for boomers. There is a smaller but still significant difference in females, with 12.7 percent of Gen X women being obese in 2008 and 10.4 percent of boomer females obese in 1989,” said Pilkington, who is conducting her research in the University's Population Research & Outcome Studies group, School of Medicine.
"This does not bode well for the future health of Generation X.”
Pilkington now plans to conduct a survey to examine the potential impact and benefits of health-promoting programs to reduce obesity levels.
Potential programs could include:
• Physical activity programs through the workplace.
• Access to healthy, nutritious and affordable foods.
• Alcohol and tobacco policies and programs.
• Mental health policies and programs.
• Flexible working options.
Baby Boomers were born from 1946 to 1965, and are now between 47 and 66 years old. Generation Xers were born from 1966 to 1980 and are now 32 to 46 years old.