Healthy Populations

Healthy Weight Arabic Community

Arabic speakers make up a significant part (8.8%) of the SWSLHD population, with the majority of Arabic speakers having been born in Lebanon.

Rates of chronic disease such as overweight and obesity and cardiovascular disease are higher in Lebanese born Australians with almost three quarters (72.4%) being overweight or obese compared with 51.9% of Australian born adults in NSW. Additionally, only 1.7% meet the recommended 5 serves of vegetables a day and only 36.8% meet the recommended levels of daily physical activity.

To address this serious issue, the Health Promotion Service (including Multicultural Health Workers) is working to develop and implement strategies to promote healthy lifestyles in Lebanese born Australians. The Arabic Healthy Weight Project aims to work with Arabic speaking families within SWSLHD to provide them with the knowledge, skills and opportunities to eat healthier food, especially vegetables, and engage in more physical activity.

For more information
Contact Danielle Weber on 02 8738 5825 or email Danielle.Weber@sswahs.nsw.gov.au