Rural Australians are facing higher rates of illness and are dying years earlier than their city counterparts, a new report has found.

A study released on Tuesday by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research says remote and rural Australians are struggling with a 40 per cent higher death rate and a lower life expectancy.

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Overall, the report found adult males have a life expectancy two-and-a-half years lower and females just over a year lower compared to the major cities and inner regional areas.

Remote areas are also seeing a dramatic 66 per cent higher suicide rate than city dwellers and an adult obesity rate of 69.5 per cent compared to 60 per cent in the city.

The rate of suicide for young indigenous people aged 15-24 is also five times higher compared to non-indigenous people.

“This first of its kind report provides a valuable and compelling insight into rural health in Australia,” the institute’s chief executive Andrew Giles said.

“The figures are quite shocking,” he added.

“We expected that there [had] always been some issues in rural and regional health.”

Researchers examined health in line with the National Health Priority Areas (NHPAs) of asthma, arthritis, cancer control, cardiovascular health, diabetes, mental health, obesity, and dementia.

The report said lower levels of income, employment and education as well as access to health services and fresh food were all contributing factors to the poor figures.

It also listed higher occupational risks in farming and mining and the need for long distance travel as causes.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14

– with ABC