New plan to prevent, reduce and treat obesity launched in Queensland 

• Making Healthy Happen is the Miles Government’s response to the National Obesity Strategy 2022-2023 that aims to reduce the prevalence of obesity around the state.  
• It is a strategy to change the environments that everyday Queenslanders live in, to better support them to adopt healthier behaviours.  
• The strategy will be delivered by the state’s prevention agency Health and Wellbeing Queensland.  

The Miles Government has today announced Making Healthy Happen 2032, a strategy to prevent, reduce and treat obesity, and its contributing factors in Queensland.  

The strategy is designed to make it easier for Queenslanders to choose healthier food and drink options, engage in physical activity and improve their understanding of ways to benefit their own health.  

It was developed and will be delivered by the state’s prevention agency Health and Wellbeing Queensland, in partnership with 10 other Queensland Government departments, industry and community.  

Making Healthy Happen 2032 includes an immediate action plan that will focus on:  
 

• Supporting national reform initiatives to make processed food and drinks healthier  
• Establishing healthy food and drink strategies in healthcare, schools, sport and recreational facilities, and workplaces  
• Delivering targeted family, youth and school-based activities to promote positive food culture and support the development of healthy habits  
• Helping Queenslanders learn more about staying healthy through continuous, evidence-based behaviour change campaigns  
• Implementing a simplified process for referral to prevention programs and resources   

Making Healthy Happen 2032 is the first state or territory strategy in Australia to adopt the three ambitions of the National Obesity Strategy 2022-2032.  

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“I led the creation of Health and Wellbeing Queensland so I’m pleased they are now leading the nation in implementing this strategy.

“More Queenslanders are turning to pre-packaged, less nutrient dense foods because they are cheaper than fresh food alternatives.

“That’s exactly why we are putting pressure on the big supermarkets to do better by farmers and families.

“Now, we want to make it even easier to prevent and reduce obesity by introducing the Making Healthy Happen strategy and action plan.

“Our government will always support healthy choices and active lifestyles for every Queenslander.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman:  

“We know that a balance of physical active and healthy eating is key to living a happy and healthy life.

“Our Making Healthy Happen 2032 is the plan we need to address obesity and protect the future health of all Queenslanders and our state’s health system. 

“This response will bring together government, community, and industry to improve health and wellbeing across the state. 

“It represents the Miles’ Government’s continued commitment to enhancing our world-class health care system by investing in prevention, helping to stop people from developing chronic diseases.” 

Quote attributable to Health and Wellbeing Queensland Chief Executive Officer Dr Robyn Littlewood:  

“Health and Wellbeing Queensland is proud to work with partners across the state to change environments that will support everyday Queenslanders to live healthier lives,” she said.  

“We want to make healthy happen for every Queenslander no matter where they live.  

“Research shows that if nothing is done, children born this decade would live a shorter life than their parents, due to obesity.  

“Creating environments that support our health and wellbeing is key to ensuring the next generation of Queenslanders have the best opportunity for a healthy future.” 

Further information:  

• According to the National Health Survey 2022, less than a third of Queenslanders are living with a healthy weight (28.3%). About a third of Queensland adults (34.6%) are living with obesity, which is slightly higher than the national rate of obesity (31.7%).  
• Nationally, more than 1 in 4 children are living with overweight or obesity (27.7%). Children who are living with overweight or obesity are 80% more likely to maintain an unhealthy weight into adulthood.  
• Research commissioned by Health and Wellbeing Queensland found life expectancy for children born in the decade from 2023 could drop by up to 4.1 years in the general population if nothing is done to reverse obesity rates. First Nations children could lose up to 5.1 years, potentially widening the life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and non-Indigenous Queenslanders.  
• The ill-health consequences of obesity and overweight have been estimated to cost the Queensland health system $756 million per year.  

ENDS