Study Finds Almost Half Of Aussie Women Avoid Exercise For Fear Of Being Fat-Shamed

Australian women are avoiding exercise because they are worried about their appearance. 

New research by Vic Health has found forty per cent of women aged 18-65 say they are too embarrassed or intimidated to get active.

“Women say they’re being shamed for being too fat or ugly when getting physically active. They’re told they’re bad mothers if they prioritise their own health,” VicHealth social marketing manager Melanie Fineberg.

“Women are telling us it’s not only men yelling out at them when they’re exercising in public, but their own husbands and children are making comments about how silly they look.

“Women are also judging women with comments about their appearance and clothes.”

She said one in five women in the study are doing no physical activity at all – a long way from the 150-300 minutes of exercise a week recommended by the government.

Catch up on today's headlines and download the Hit app here: iOS | Android