Sizing Up Gen X

Australia’s Generation X population is twice as likely to have developed type 2 diabetes by a certain as baby boomers had at the same age. A national health survey looked at the Gen X population born between 1966 and 1980 and compared its weight and diet to baby boomers born between 1946-1965. The survey found the rate of obesity was 50 percent higher in Gen X.

While Gen Xers are better educated than baby boomers were at the same age and less likely to smoke, those between the ages of 25-44 lead more sedentary lifestyles than boomers at the same age. The study concludes Australia faces “significant implications” for healthcare. Similar conclusions have been made from studies in both Britain and the United States.