Like other western nations, Australia is engaged in a battle of the bulge as obesity rates soar.

In many instances, Aussies with weight issues actually want to shed more pounds in favor of a healthier and sexier physique, but most of the time while their spirit is willing, their flesh is not.

Data released Tuesday by Australian life insurance firm AIA said that while 80 per cent of Aussies desire to lose weight and 90 per cent are concerned about rising obesity rates among young people, 55 per cent don't exercise regularly.

Among the excuses that Aussies have in getting up from the couch are tiredness which was cited by 59 per cent of the respondents in the AIA report and lack of time (53 per cent). Other reasons behind their expanding girths are difficulty in preparing healthier food and perception that a balanced meal costs more.

To help Aussies and other Asia-Pacific residents live a healthier life, AIA released on Tuesday its first pan Asia-Pacific Healthy Living Index based on 10,200 interviews from 15 nations.

Unfortunately, Aussies did not fare well in the index based on its 59 index score out of a possible 100. The country's score is below the regional average of 61.

The index was based on four key health behaviours, namely: getting sufficient sleep, regular exercise, regular medical check-ups and putting into practice healthy eating and drinking habits.

On one hand, the study found that adults from Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, Australia and New Zealand agree that they need to do more to attain healthy living and admit they are not satisfied with their health. On the other hand, the research showed that adults from Indonesia, India and the Philippines are satisfied with their health even if they have not imbibed a healthy lifestyle.

"When it comes to healthy living we firmly believe prevention is the best cure. In analysing these 15 markets it has become obvious we all need to take responsibility as individuals, family members, partners and employers to help break the cycle and consider the emotional and financial impact of unhealthy living on our families and loved ones," said Damien Mu, chief distribution and marketing officer of AIA Australia.

He said the aim of the index is to provide a clearer picture of the Asia-Pacific's health and find ways to improve index scores in the future.

Another study by British researchers showed that people with genetic predisposition to obesity can reduce the impact of their genes by living a physically active lifestyle. The recommendation was based on analysis of over 218,000 adults with specific fat mass and obesity (FTO) associated genes.

Researchers at the Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit found the effect of the FTO genes is 30 per cent weaker on physically active people which gave them 27 per cent less chances of becoming obese.

The research debunked previous studies that indicate genetic influences could not be modified.

AIA Australia, along with the release of the index, also launched more free support and counseling services for its policyholders. The services include personal, legal, tax issues, funeral assistance and emergency accommodation providers.

"No one can predict the future but being prepared by having adequate insurance is one of the best defences you can have to help guard against life's uncertainties. As passionate advocates of healthy living, we want to help people across the region achieve their lifestyle goals and empower them to start taking positive action towards living longer and healthier lives," Mr Mu said.

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