The over consumption of food, coupled with an inactive lifestyle, causes overweight or obesity. This in turn increases a person's chance of developing diseases such as cardiovascular disease, some cancers and diabetes mellitus. Consumption of food Data in this review is from two major surveys conducted in 1995 and only relates to people aged over 18. The National Nutrition Survey collected information on food and nutrition from the Australian population. Information was collected on food and beverage consumption, nutrient intake, eating habits and dietary attitudes.
Energy provides fuel for metabolism, growth, movement and other processes.
BMI is the body weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in metres. In this review BMI classifications follow those of the World Health Organisation. Over the last twenty years there have been changes in the quantities and types of foods consumed by Australians. The consumption of fruit and fruit products, vegetables, and grain products has increased. In addition, the amount of alcohol consumed has declined.