According to the latest report of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Australia ranks fourth in the list of the fattest country in the world. The Unites States, Mexico, and New Zealand are sitting comfortably at the first, second, and third positions, respectively.

This wouldn't be the first time that our nation has made it to the fattest country list. In 2008, Australia has even overtaken the U.S. as the world's most obese country. In the last decade, the rate of obesity in our country has doubled, or maybe even tripled.

Obesity is an issue that the Australian state and federal government institutions should deal with. In a separate report of Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, obesity has claimed the third spot in the list of the leading causes of illness and early death in Australia, just behind smoking and hypertension. Obesity is even associated with other diseases such as cancers, chronic kidney problems, and cardiovascular disease, among many others. Nearly a million Australians suffer from diabetes. Health illness in young kids like asthma, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea has also been linked with obesity. Thus, it has really become the biggest threat to public health.

Australians are getting fatter, and the trend is more noticeable in men than in women.

People should start living healthier. Health institutions should step up their campaign against unhealthy foods to combat obesity. The truth is that obesity is becoming the norm, and it will take huge efforts to win against it. Healthy habits must be developed. Well-funded and dynamic health campaigns must be carried out.

On a lighter note, despite all the talks about the risks and disease that obesity brings, it is good to find out that Aussies have a higher life expectancy, according to OECD. Australians are expected to reach the age of 82.