Dr Wittert said what is clear is that in order to effectively intervene and reduce the prevalence of these non-communicable diseases, the following require attention: Behavioural risk factors (tobacco use, diet and physical inactivity); Socioeconomic and environmental conditions; and Adequate screening and management of intermediate risk factors (hypertension, blood lipids, obesity/overweight, glucose intolerance and diabetes, depression and anxiety).

Last year, the study received $450,000 from the Florey Foundation and the University of Adelaide along with support from Bayer, the Northern Community Health Foundation, Department of Human Service, Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science, Eli Lilly, Astra Zeneca, Pfizer, Fauldings (Mayne Pharma) and In-Business magazine.

Associate Professor Gary WittertHead, Department of MedicineWork: +61 8 8222 4157Mobile: 0409 411 789

David Ellis, Media OfficeTelephone: +61 8 8303 3173 (work), 0414 559 773 (mobile)