Obese people are more likely to be injured, and it is impacting society as a whole, a report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has found.
The government-established organisation released the Obesity and Injury in Australia- a Review of the Literature, which found the likelihood of a person falling or tripping rises as they become more obese.
“Average length of stay in hospital is significantly longer for obese injured patients than their leaner counterparts,” the report states.
“Greater requirements for respiratory support have also been shown for injured obese patients relative to the non-obese.
“Also, obese injured patients are more likely to suffer certain complications of care during the period in hospital following injury.
“Risk of death after serious injury appears to be raised by obesity, though findings are mixed in the most severely injured cases.”
The report found the likelihood of teeth, musculoskeletal injuries and face injuries are more likely in overweight children who experience falls.
Recent figures showed one in four primary aged school children in Australia are overweight or obese.