More than 30 per cent of Hawkesbury residents suffer from obesity and nearly 60 per cent are insufficiently active, according to a report by the NSW Heart Foundation.
The region ranks 39th out of 128 regions in the state for obesity.
Heart Foundation chief executive Kerry Doyle said the rates were alarming.
‘‘This rate is 33 per cent higher than Sydney and people need to start taking small steps to change their life, like visiting their GP as soon as possible,’’ Mrs Doyle said.
‘‘We only have one heart and one body so we need to look after it.’’
One in every two adults in the Hawkesbury has high cholesterol.
A survey of 1000 Australians conducted by an education campaign, ‘‘The Doctor on your Side’’, shows that three in five have tried to lose weight in the last six months and 66 per cent of respondents have not spoken to their doctor about weight loss.
Dr Ginni Mansberg, campaign ambassador and high profile practising GP, said it’s one thing to discuss weight issues with friends and family, but it can be more helpful if that conversation is with your GP.
‘‘Your GP can discuss all the available and clinically proven options.’’