Australians gain roughly 1.5 kilograms over the festive season and rarely end up losing that weight later on, according to a Nutrition Australia study.

That figure is believed to be exacerbated in the Riverina, which is reportedly the fattest region in the state. 

Seven in 10 of the city’s residents are fat or obese and one in four drink too much, according to Victoria University’s Health Tracker. 

The shameful revelation has highlighted the need for residents to be mindful of their diet during December. 

Budding dietitian Aidan Muir, who is starting his own private practice in the new year, said the demand for fitness services is rampant due to the region’s troubling obesity rate. 

Mr Muir, who is also a trainer at Wagga’s Xceler8 Fitness, has weighed in on how to beat the scales this summer. 

“People shouldn’t feel like they can’t eat at big social events, because providing you limit it to one or two times a week, it won’t be problematic at all,” he said.

“Eating lots of fibre in the mornings helps your digestion and drinking water before your meals will pace up your metabolism, so that’s important.

“Wagga is an area where obesity is a huge issue and ultimately people have to take the step to help themselves.”

Retired truckie Allan Prowse holds the issue close to his heart after he almost succumbed to his unhealthy habits. 

After suffering a debilitating back injury in 2013, the Wagga man had no choice but to drown his sorrows in donuts, cookies and burgers. 

One night he stepped onto the bathroom scales and the number staring back at him sent shivers down his injured spine.

In less than a year, the Wagga man turned around his life and shed around 40 kilograms. 

He said the importance of remaining disciplined over Christmas is paramount. 

“I often packed on a few kilos around Christmas and the new year, and it really set me back,” he said. 

“Even half an hour of exercise makes a difference.”