Report highlights progress on overweight and obesity


Released 29/06/2016

The ACT Government’s Healthy Weight  Initiative Progress Report 2016 has revealed that progress is being made  towards curbing increasing levels of overweight and obesity in the ACT,  Assistant Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris announced today.  

The Healthy Weight Initiative, launched in  October 2013, is a whole-of-government approach focussed on tackling the main  drivers of the obesity epidemic by making improvements in active living  environments and food environments across the ACT.

“It is positive to see there have been improvements  in the early stages since the Government launched the Healthy Weight Action  Plan,” Minister Fitzharris said.

“I’m pleased to see the proportion of  adults and children affected by overweight and obesity in the ACT has remained  similar over recent years and, with continued efforts, I’m optimistic that we  will meet our target of zero growth in rates of obesity and overweight.

“The report highlights that, based on  preliminary analyses, some positive progress has been made towards meeting  almost half of the Healthy Weight Initiative health targets,  but there are areas where more work is needed to ensure momentum is maintained  in the long-term.  

“Being obese increases the chance of  developing a number of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease,  diabetes and some forms of cancer. This, in turn, puts a burden on Canberrans  and increases the pressure and costs on our health system.

“This is why the ACT Government is  committed to supporting the Healthy Weight Initiative to ensure we have a  healthy, active and productive community.

“As a mum, I am pleased to see that  considerable effort has been made in schools, with a number of activities  focussing on the food environments provided for our children and programs to  increase the amount of physical activity kids participate in each day.”

Some of the activities undertaken under the  Healthy Weight Initiative include:

  • implementing a  number of programs in schools to encourage healthy eating habits and for kids  to actively travel to school or take part in physical activity every day;
  • installing  water stations and promoting water as the drink of choice throughout ACT public  schools and public places;
  • introducing a  Healthier Work RecognitionScheme to encourage workplaces to improve the  health and wellbeing of employees across the ACT;
  • implementing a  Choose Healthier pilot project with local businesses to introduce voluntary  actions to encourage their customers to make healthier food and drink choices;
  • undertaking a  community consultation on food and drink marketing, particularly aimed at  children;
  • integrating  active living principles within the Master Plan program and Territory Plan;
  • providing  learn-to-swim classes for women from culturally and linguistically diverse  backgrounds, particularly Muslim women.

“The ACT Government recognises that it is a  long-term challenge to stop the levels of overweight and obesity increasing.  Investing in healthy eating and exercise habits in our kids can make a positive  contribution throughout their lives. This is why the Government has provided  further funding of $1.05 million to a number of activities as part of the  2016–17 Budget,” Minister Fitzharris added.

“Through the Healthy Weight Initiative we  are committed to supporting a healthy community where the healthy choice is the  easy choice.

“The findings are consistent with the Chief  Health Officer’s report, signalling progress but accepting there are still some  areas to work on. A simple message for all Canberrans is to eat more vegies.”

The Healthy Weight Initiative Progress  Report 2016 is available at: www.act.gov.au/healthyliving

- Statement ends -

Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases

Media Contacts

Name Phone Mobile Email

Richard Fox

6207 8133

0410 831 993

richardd.fox@act.gov.au


«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases