Letter to the Editor first published in the Bendigo Advertiser 23 July 2013.

The Baker IDI has released the results of a large study tracking weight gain over 12 years. It revealed people aged 25 to 34 stack on the kilos the quickest.

As surprising as that is, when you think about it, it makes sense.

This is a time when rather than being run off your feet at a casual retail or café job, many of us transition to a desk job. Some start a family and sacrifice exercise. Some buy their first house, with a longer commute to work.

The VicHealth Indicators survey of 25,000 people shows two in five 25 to 34-year-olds spend seven hours or more sitting and one in five drink soft drink every day. This is particularly true for men.

So what can we do to prevent the kilos creeping on?

Try to get some activity into your day, no matter how small. Squeeze in a quick jog or walk the dog. Walk to work, or to the shops. Visit your workmates instead of sending an email. Take the steps instead of the lift. And don’t buy soft drink.

Our weighty woes are often blamed on staring at glowing rectangles, but technology can benefit your health. Check out VicHealth’s TeamUp app – www.teamup.com.au  – a marketplace of hundreds of sports and physical activities to join in when and where it suits you – no obligation, no pressure.

There is no reason why exercise shouldn’t be the highlight of your day, you just need to discover what moves you.

- Jerril