- Medibank and Coles customer research reveals over 90% of Australians are not eating the recommended daily intake of fruit and vegetables
- 85% of shoppers would purchase more fresh produce if given incentives
- Coles flybuys and Medibank are rewarding Australians for making healthier eating choices
New research conducted by Medibank and Coles reveals that over 90% of Australians are not eating the recommended daily intake of fruit and vegetables. However, 89% of Aussies would like to eat more raw food to improve their health, and almost 7 out of 10 Australians want more vegetables in their diet.
Poor diet is a significant contributor to obesity and MONASH University estimates if Australians continues to gain weight at the current pace, by 2025, 80% of adults will be overweight or obese , putting them at greater risk of chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Commenting, Dr Georgia Karabatsos, Medibank Medical Director says:
'Poor diet and lack of exercise can lead to obesity and there is a strong link between obesity and Type 2 diabetes, which is now one of the leading causes of death in Australia.
'A healthy diet is one of the key ways to both prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes and to manage it. A change in lifestyle, namely improved diet and increased exercise, can reduce the development of Type 2 diabetes by up to 71%5.
'If people have any concerns about their diet, obesity or diabetes they should also talk to a medical professional such as their local Doctor or Nurse.'
The research conducted by Medibank and Coles also revealed that 85% of shoppers are more likely to purchase fresh produce if given incentives or rewards by supermarkets.
Coles flybuys and Medibank are offering incentives to encourage Australians to make healthier food purchases, in the form of triple points. Flybuys members with a Medibank policy can earn three points for every dollar spent on fresh fruit, vegetables and frozen vegetables across Coles stores.
Coles Group Finance Director, Rob Scott, says the new partnership demonstrates Coles' ongoing commitment to the health and wellbeing of its customers.
'The partnership reinforces Coles' and Medibank's mutual commitment to seeing Australians take better care of themselves, providing them with real incentives to buy fresh produce and maintain a healthy diet.'
flybuys members who apply and are approved for a Medibank policy with hospital cover, can earn up to 40,000 bonus points until 31 August 2013. In addition, customers can earn one flybuys point for every $2 they spend on Medibank premiums.
For more information visit www.flybuys.com.au/medibank