The
Obesity Policy Coalition (OPC) today called for a national
coordinated action plan to address the obesity issue, following the release of a
new "state of the nation" report by Roy Morgan Research this morning.
The
research revealed Australians are carrying a combined total of 180,000 tonnes
of excess weight, an increase of 30,000 tonnes since 2008.
Australians
are gaining 5,000 tonnes per year. Around 11 million Australians are
overweight by an average of 16.5 kilograms, which can have a dramatic effect on
health and wellness.
Jane
Martin, Executive Manager of the Obesity Policy Coalition, said: "These
statistics are symptoms of the obesity problem facing this nation with the full
impact on rates of chronic disease, such as cancer and type II diabetes, yet to
be realised."
"We
urgently need the Federal government to develop a comprehensive national action
plan that includes appropriate input from peak bodies. This includes reducing
children's exposure to junk food marketing."
"We know self-regulation
of junk food marketing is not working. Junk food companies and fast food chains
have huge marketing budgets, which they use to target children and provide
unhealthy food at low cost. Protecting children from junk food marketing and
ensuring people have access to affordable fresh fruit and vegetables can assist
in helping people make better choices and lead healthier lives."
According
to Ms Martin, the recent commitment to implementing the health star rating food
labelling system is a good start to helping Australians to make healthy choices.
"With so
many Australians overweight or obese and the number of people in the obese category
growing, it is vital that there is
coordinated leadership at a federal level if we are to have any chance
at stemming the growth of this serious health issue and reducing the future
burden on our health system."