Tuggeranong residents have rejected the notion they're the "fattest and laziest" district in Canberra but believe local government could do more to encourage active lifestyles among residents.
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Nelson and Bernadette Blencowe, 56, from Monash were walking their dog Kobi around Lake Tuggeranong and weren't impressed by statistics from the Heart Foundation.
"I'm certainly not part of that stat," Ms Blencowe said. "I read it and I laughed."
The Blencowes and their friends are extremely active but the couple believed Tuggeranong could benefit from healthier eating options around the lake and the coming opening of the fitness park by the shore.
"They need to put more money into the suburbs to create a community feel to it," Ms Blencowe said.
Figures released on Monday by the Heart Foundation – to coincide with Heart Week – show the deep south performed the worst of the ACT's seven regions, with 30 per cent of residents classified as obese and 57.4 per cent insufficiently active for health.
Tuggeranong Community Council Acting President Glenys Patulny also believed the statistics are misleading.
"It's like comparing apples and oranges," Ms Patulny said. "You've got to look at the age of the population.
"Distance and age I'd say are the main things. And I also think we need to give people an education; inform people of some of the simple things they could do at home."
With north Canberra suburbs among the best performers, Ms Patulny said Tuggeranong was statistically unable to compete with a northern, inner city suburb like Belconnen which is home to two universities, has better cycling infrastructure and is closer to the city.
Ms Patulny said the coming opening of the fitness park may help if it's convenient to access and people are educated on how to use it.
Libby Viccars, 65, regularly walks around the lake and attends gym, and didn't feel her friends and family were reflective of the statistics.
"My son goes in the nationals weightlifting championship," Ms Viccars said. "And his wife as well. She's also a weightlifter. And they live in Tuggeranong as well."
Alex Patch and Tara Moran, both 21 and from Tuggeranong, don't agree with the statistics but felt more could be done to encourage locals.
Mr Patch suggested more fun runs around the lake while Ms Moran said gyms should be made cheaper.
