The Victorian Health Survey 2009, released last week, revealed that although more than eight in 10 people reported their health as good, very good or excellent, many Moorabool residents are not eating healthily, while obesity rates have soared.

In Moorabool, 32.1 per cent of males and 26.9 per cent of women are overweight, with 26.9 per cent of males and 22.5 per cent of females falling into the obese category.

That puts residents at a much greater risk of developing diabetes, according to Djerriwarrh Health Services chief executive Bruce Marshall.

He said the shire had a "disproportionately" high burden of chronic disease.

"Many of these conditions can be prevented and are attributable to a number of lifestyle risk factors," he said.

"It's not as simple as telling people they need to eat more fruit and vegies. In fact, it's a complex issue requiring a collaborative approach involving multiple partners from across sectors.

"We need to make healthy choices the easy choice, and this can only be achieved in collaboration with other partners who can influence the broader social and environmental factors impacting on health," he said.

Health Minister David Davis said although the overweight figures in Victoria had remained constant, obesity rates had rapidly increased.

Diabetes Australia Victoria identified the Melton and Bacchus Marsh area as a "significant hotspot" where greater than 4 per cent of its population have either type 1 or 2 diabetes.

Melton-Bacchus Marsh Diabetes support group convener Jeann Clark said the success of the group proved the need for a strong and compassionate approach.

"Our group is very lucky to have the help of Djerriwarrh Health diabetes educator Christine Perry steering us with the right knowledge. We're having cooking classes with a dietician especially for diabetics; that's a great help."

Mr Marshall said the hospital offered health education sessions, cooking groups and health professionals who could assist with residents' concerns.

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