THE ROLE OF SOCIOECONOMIC, DEMOGRAPHIC AND BEHAVIOURAL FACTORS IN EXPLAINING THE HIGH RATES OF OBESITY AMONG INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS

Indigenous Australians have one of the highest rates of obesity in Australia. However, little is known about the factors that are linked to obesity for Indigenous Australians. The purpose of this paper is to enhance this understanding by examining the role of behavioural characteristics, demographics and socioeconomic status in explaining Indigenous Australians' obesity rates. This study finds that the key factors that impact on the probability of being obese relate to Indigenous Australians' wealth, engagement in physical activity and diet. The factors associated with obesity also vary for Indigenous men and women and for the Indigenous population living in remote and non-remote communities. The results identify potential target groups for policy aimed at reducing the prevalence of obesity for Indigenous Australians.