Currently, 60 per cent of adults are active enough for good health, which is a four per cent increase in 10 years.
During that time, there has been an increase in the prevalence of adult overweight and obesity levels from 44 per cent to 55 per cent.
Sport and Recreation Minister and chair of the Physical Activity Taskforce, Terry Waldron, said the increase in physical activity outcomes was positive, but it was concerning overweight and obesity was on the increase.
“We are very pleased that West Australians are listening to the physical activity message and are getting more active,” Mr Waldron said.
“Physical activity has huge benefits for health and improves physical and mental wellbeing, quality of life, social interaction and life expectancy.
“The increase in adult overweight and obesity levels is alarming, and is a reminder that increasing physical activity will only curb part of this problem.”
The Minister said healthy active lifestyles and healthy eating were equally important to stabilise the increasing numbers of adults above a healthy weight.
“It is important to maintain our focus on the prevention of disease through increasing physical activity to reduce the impact on the health budget and to have a better quality of life,” he said.
Authorities recommend adults have at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week.
The Physical Activity Taskforce was established in 2001 to oversee the development and delivery of a whole-of-government and whole-of-community approach to increasing physical activity levels in WA. It comprises Government, non-government, academic and local government agencies.
Minister's office - 9213 7200