Media Release 2
6
January 2010
Tackle Obesity on Australia Day with Healthy Menus
Media Enquiries:
Dr Tim Mathew Medical Director Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0416 149 863
Ron Smith National Media Communications Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0417 329 201
Kidney Health Australia has called on Australians to tackle obesity at the traditional Australia Day
barbeque as part of the battle against kidney disease, which is present in one in seven Australians.
Anne Wilson, CEO & Managing Director of Kidney Health Australia said Kidney Health Australia is
continuing a national strategy aimed at encouraging people to introduce healthy barbeque menus and
choices of food to cut the fat content of traditional barbeques.
“Obesity increases the risk of kidney disease and our message to the community is to undertake a healthy
lifestyle and maintain a healthy weight.”
The Big Red BBQ – the Healthy Choice initiative focuses on recipes including fruit, vegetables, fish, chicken
and smaller lean portions of traditional meat.
Dr Tim Mathew, Medical Director of Kidney Health Australia said the campaign is also aimed at Making a
Noise About The Silent Killer - Chronic Kidney Disease by making it a BBQ STOPPER topic of discussion
at every barbeque through the link to healthy eating and lifestyle.
Dr Mathew said diet is a vital part of managing Kidney Disease and we have chosen to highlight the Aussie
barbeque, a traditional family, sporting and community social activity as a focus point to promote healthy eating
and encourage a greater use of fresh vegetables, fruit, fish, chicken, lean meats and salads as a preventative
measure.
FAST FACTS ON CKD IN AUSTRALIA Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a significant and growing
public health problem, responsible for substantial burden of illness and premature mortality. In
Australia, it is a fact that:
1 in 3 adults are at increased risk of developing CKD
1 in 7 adults have at least one clinical sign of existing CKD
A person can lose up to 90% of their kidney function before experiencing any symptoms
Approximately 2 million Australians may be affected by early-stage kidney disease and don't know it
On Average 50 Australians die of kidney failure each day
NEWS 
