Why this indicator is important
Having a healthy lifestyle can improve a person's health outcomes.
Lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, eating well and exercising regularly, can prevent up to one third of all cancers.1
Being physically active can help reduce the risk of breast cancer (in women after menopause), bowel and endometrial cancers.1
About this indicator
This indicator shows the proportion of adults in NSW who reported getting the recommended amount of physical activity.
- Between 2012 and 2017, the proportion of adults in NSW who reported getting the recommended amount of exercise each week (150 minutes) increased by 2.6%, from 55.8% to 58.4%.
Note: These data were the latest available at the time they were extracted (May 2018). For the most recent population health data, visit HealthStats NSW.
Proportion of adults* who undertake adequate physical activity**, by local health district (LHD) (ranked), NSW, 2012 and 2017
N = Number of survey respondents, 2017
* People aged 16 years and over
** At least 150 minutes of moderate or vigorous activity per week, over five sessions, as per National Health and Medical Research Council Guidelines.
Notes:
- Data source: NSW Population Health Survey (sourced from HealthStats NSW, Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence, NSW Ministry of Health). Available at www.healthstats.nsw.gov.au (accessed May 2018)
Reference:
- Whiteman DC, Webb PM, Green AC, Neale RE, Fritschi L, Bain CJ, et al. Cancers in Australia in 2010 attributable to modifiable factors: summary and conclusions. Aust N Z J Public Health 2010 Oct;39(5),477–84 doi: 10.1111/1753–6405.12471.