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 | |
---|---|---|---|
Richard Fox |
6207 8133 |
0410 831 993 |