BPMRI Busselton Health Study

BPMRI Busselton Health Study The Busselton Population Medical Research Institute's "Busselton Health Study" is one of the longest population health studies in the world.

Over 30,000 participants taking part since 1966 resulting in over 600 scientific and medical research publications The residents of the town of Busselton, a coastal community in the south-west of Western Australia, have been involved in a series of health surveys since 1966. To date over 30, 000 men, women & children of all ages have taken part in the surveys and have helped contribute to our und

erstanding of many common diseases and health conditions. The collection of population health data in Busselton was initiated by local GP Dr Kevin Cullen. His vision was to establish and conduct population health research in a community setting that would not only provide important information into the prevalence and causes of common diseases but also to empower participants to take an active role in their health and well-being. We believe the original aims of the Busselton Health Study as stated in 1966 in understanding disease and improving the health of the population continues today. These aims are:


1. To study the prevalence of common diseases in an Australian community

2. To assess the range and variation of a large number of clinical and laboratory variables in a natural population

3. To provide a community service in the detection, treatment and prevention of disease and in the education of the population

4. To conduct longitudinal surveys for the study of risk factors related to health and disease

5. To study mortality from specific diseases in an Australian population and to define the usefulness of risk factors in predicting such mortality



A unique database of information has been compiled and is managed by the School of Population Health at the University of Western Australia. It has been recognized and relied upon by major international research centres asBusselton Study Logo well as by researchers here in WA for over 50 years.The collection provides important information on common diseases and their relationships to risk factors, lifestyle and environmental variables. Over 500 research articles have been published in the literature and the archived collection of data from the Busselton population has been described as a National Treasure by the Government of Western Australia.

Does belly fat accelerate ageing? New research says yes.A study led by researchers from The University of Western Austra...
06/07/2026

Does belly fat accelerate ageing? New research says yes.

A study led by researchers from The University of Western Australia and the Busselton Healthy Ageing Study has found that higher levels of visceral fat (the fat stored deep in the abdomen) are associated with faster biological ageing in middle-aged adults.

Researchers analysed data from nearly 4,800 participants and found the link remained even after accounting for BMI, waist circumference, overall body fat and lifestyle factors.

The findings highlight that where fat is stored may be just as important as how much we carry, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a healthy waistline for long-term health and healthy ageing.
Read more: https://www.uwa.edu.au/news/article/2026/june/excess-belly-fat-linked-to-faster-biological-ageing

New research suggests that higher levels of visceral fat, the fat stored deep in the abdomen, could contribute to faster biological ageing in middle-aged adults

As the End of Financial Year approaches, please consider a donation to help support us. Donations are tax deductible, an...
17/06/2026

As the End of Financial Year approaches, please consider a donation to help support us. Donations are tax deductible, and will help fund health research that takes place right here. https://bpmri.org.au/support-us/donate.html

Wonderful recognition and well-deserved outcome for A/Prof Kathy Zhu, one of the long-standing researchers with the Buss...
15/06/2026

Wonderful recognition and well-deserved outcome for A/Prof Kathy Zhu, one of the long-standing researchers with the Busselton Healthy Ageing Study and Domain Lead in bone density and body composition. Congratulations Kathy!
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18H7Dx2jM2/

A/Prof Kathy Zhu was a Discovery Grant Award Winner in 2025, receiving $30,000 from Charlies Foundation for Research towards her project on how to improve bone loss predictions in those at risk of Osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a common, chronic condition where bones become less dense, lose minerals like calcium and become more fragile, putting people with osteoporosis at risk of breaking bones more easily. Symptoms of osteoporosis are often absent until a fracture appears, making understanding of fracture risk crucial.

Kathy’s research involves using data from dual-energy absorptiometry (DXA) reports to build a program that extracts and compiles information into a structured database.

DXA reports are essential in both diagnosing and managing osteoporosis, providing an accurate assessment of bone mineral density at multiple sites.

"We then analyse how individual and combined clinical risk factors influence the rate of bone mineral density decline, therefore advancing understanding of fracture risk," she said.

"These findings will help clinicians to identify patients with clusters of risk factors linked to faster bone loss. Ultimately, the tools developed could be integrated into clinical workflows to support more proactive osteoporosis care," Kathy said.

The findings will enable earlier intervention, more targeted monitoring and personalised treatment strategies, with research set to help identify high-risk patients, helping prevent fractures and preserve independence and quality of life.

"At a system-wide level, it will reduce hospitalisations, long-term care needs and healthcare costs," Kathy said.

The Charlies Foundation for Research team wish Kathy all the best with her ongoing research and are extremely grateful on behalf of Western Australian’s who will benefit from this research in such a vital area of health care.

North Metropolitan Health Service

Busselton Population Medical Research Institute “Thanks all our Amazing Volunteers, who bring smiles and deliver service...
19/05/2026

Busselton Population Medical Research Institute “Thanks all our Amazing Volunteers, who bring smiles and deliver service week after week. Thank You - today, all week and every week for all that you do!”

Celebrating International Nurses Day at BPMRI Today we recognise and celebrate our incredible team of nurses at the Buss...
12/05/2026

Celebrating International Nurses Day at BPMRI
Today we recognise and celebrate our incredible team of nurses at the Busselton Health Study Centre.
Our five dedicated nurses are truly multi-skilled, each trained to perform over 16 different clinical assessments, from cardiovascular and respiratory testing to cognitive and sensory measures. But what really sets them apart is the care and compassion they bring, guiding participants through sometimes complex study protocols with warmth, clarity, and a friendly smile.
Their commitment ensures every participant feels supported, informed, and valued - while helping deliver the high-quality data that underpins our research.

Thank you for everything you do for our community and for advancing health research - today and every day!🙌🙌🙌

07/05/2026

The Busselton Community have contributed data over generations; an astonishing act of generosity that has changed healthcare and how heart health is managed nationally and internationally.







06/05/2026

Celebrating the 60 Years of health contributions by the people of Busselton through the Busselton Health Study, as we look to the future of healthcare.







06/05/2026

The Busselton Health Study has made significant contributions to our understanding of heart health. This wouldn't be possible without the contribution of the people of the Busselton Community.







Celebrating the contribution of thousands of Busselton residents to world knowledge this and the continuing contributi...
04/05/2026

Celebrating the contribution of thousands of Busselton residents to world knowledge this and the continuing contribution of to advancing health knowledge







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18 West Street
Busselton, WA
6280

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