Queensland leads the way in tackling nation’s obesity crisis

The Queensland Government has committed to improving the health outcomes of millions of Australians under a long-term obesity strategy released today.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath has unveiled the National Obesity Strategy 2022-2032, which will act as a blueprint to reduce overweight and obesity rates across the country.

Led by Queensland Health, endorsed by all state and territory governments and the Commonwealth, the strategy has been tailored to effectively engage with adults and children to achieve positive and lasting results.

“Queensland Health has led the development of National Obesity Strategy 2022-2032, which reinforces the Queensland Government’s commitment to give Queensland families the best chance at a healthy future,” Ms D’Ath said.

“This strategy has two main targets: the first is to halt and reverse the trend of rising adult obesity rates, and the second to reduce childhood overweight and obesity by at least 5 per cent by 2030.

“Meeting these targets means about 50,700 more children and teens would be in a healthy weight range, in Queensland alone.

“While preventing obesity into the future is the key focus, it is imperative we work across our public health system to ensure the 2.7 million Queenslanders above the healthy weight range continue to be supported to enable them to live their healthiest lives.”

Ms D’Ath said the Strategy came at an important time for the State in its push to improve the health of Queenslanders.  

“Research shows two-thirds of adults and one in four children are overweight or living with obesity in our State,” she said.  

“The ill-health consequences of obesity and overweight has been estimated to cost the Queensland health system $756 million per year, or $11.8 billion throughout the whole of Australia.”

Ms D’Ath said Health and Wellbeing Queensland would drive pivotal aspects of the Strategy through an agreed action plan

“Health and Wellbeing Queensland will implement the action plan, which will be guided by creating equity, tackling weight stigma and discrimination, addressing the wider determinants of health and sustainability, and empowering personal responsibility to support healthy living,” she said.

Health and Wellbeing Queensland Chief Executive Dr Robyn Littlewood said it was critical to address obesity to protect the future health of the Queensland community and ease pressure on the State’s health system.

“We know obesity can affect life expectancy and that our health is closely linked to the environments where we live, work, learn and play,” Dr Littlewood said.

“The Strategy’s action plan, which we will lead the delivery of in Queensland, provides the platform to enable the next generation to live healthier and more active lives.

“We have an unprecedented opportunity to change the growing obesity trend in Queensland, and therefore protect the life expectancy of all Queenslanders.”

Dr Littlewood said Health and Wellbeing Queensland wanted to give Queenslanders the opportunity and resources to make healthier life choices.

“We are committed to providing programs and putting into place various policies and initiatives which will help to tackle environmental influences which can increase the likelihood of obesity in Queensland,” Dr Littlewood said.

“There is no overnight solution to tackling the causes of obesity, however the Strategy will be critical to ensure we lead the way forward for all Queenslanders.

Almost 2750 Australians, including researchers, industry, non-government organisations and consumers, shared their views and helped develop the strategy.

ENDS