Two WA regions well below average when it comes to eating enough veggies
The latest WA Health and Wellbeing report reveals how regions stack up when it comes to things like diet, smoking, exercise and mental health.
A stark divide between the wellbeing of regional West Australians and their metropolitan counterparts has been revealed in a new WA health report.
Data from the WA Health and Wellbeing Surveillance 2024 shows a clear divide in health outcomes depending on where you live.
From smoking in the Kimberley to higher obesity rates in the Goldfields — a larger number in the regions rate their health as fair or poor.
And while metro areas sit closer to the state average for many health measures, the regions show greater swings between high and low outcomes.
Food insecurity 'alarming'
More than a third of WA adults reported eating fast food once or twice per week.
The Goldfields region topped the state outside of metropolitan areas, with 38 per cent of people opting for takeaway at least once a week.
People living in remote and regional areas face a lack of fresh and affordable food options. (ABC Kimberley: Rachel Jackson)
Professor of public health Christina Pollard said people living in remote areas were often forced to purchase processed foods due to a lack of fresh and affordable options.
"There's a real need to put some money and focus into these areas to make sure fresh and nutritious foods are available," the Curtin University professor said.
In the Goldfields and Kimberley region, just 3.3 per cent of individuals surveyed met vegetable consumption guidelines.
"The most alarming thing for me is the increase in the proportion of people who are experiencing food insecurity,"
Dr Pollard said.
More than 8 per cent of West Australians surveyed said there was a time in the past year that they had run out of food, and could not afford to buy more.
In 2020, the number recorded from the same report was just under 3 per cent.
Christina Pollard says the increase in food insecurity is alarming. (Supplied: Christina Pollard)
Dr Pollard said poor nutrition put children and adults at a much greater risk of chronic disease.
"It's really time for us to take heed of this data, and see it as a warning that we can do something about," she said.
"Hopefully government will be able to use this information to make some important policy changes."