Media releases

Research shows most toddler snacks on Australian supermarket shelves fail sugar recommendations

More than three quarters (78%) of ready-made toddler foods found in supermarkets fail to meet all sugar recommendations set by the World Health Organisation’s European Office, according to startling new research released today.

Call for improved alcohol labelling as new study reveals 'better-for-you' claims may mislead consumers

Tuesday 9 August 2022

With alcohol labelling currently under review by FSANZ, OPC is calling for improved alcohol labelling to ensure consumers have access to basic information to make an informed purchase and aren’t being misled by marketing claims.

OPC supports government action to protect children from unhealthy food advertising

Monday 8 August 2022

The Obesity Policy Coalition has thrown its support behind efforts to protect children from unhealthy food advertising to improve diets and address Australia’s obesity epidemic.

New ad code fails to protect kids from unhealthy food marketing

Monday 1 August 2022

The Obesity Policy Coalition today warned that the advertising industry’s new code is failing to protect kids from unhealthy food marketing. An Oreo cookies ad shown during the Lego Masters finale was found not to target children despite appearing in one of Australia’s most popular general entertainment shows for children.

Call for action: Obesity closes gap on tobacco in Australia's health scorecard

Thursday 7 July 2022

Australia’s health scorecard finds unhealthy weight is closing the gap on tobacco, as the nation’s second highest risk factor for the preventable disease burden.

Nine out of 10 Australian parents want laws to regulate ready-made foods for babies and toddlers

Thursday 28 April 2022

Ready-made baby and toddler foods are a common choice for Australian families. However, many parents are unaware that these foods are often not healthy, and the majority falsely believe they are regulated by the government to ensure they provide good nutrition for children.

Call for action as unhealthy weight tops risk factors for health spending on diseases

Thursday 7 April 2022

New analysis showing high cost of unhealthy weight prompts leading public health groups to call for urgent action to implement policies across the population to prevent obesity.

Federal funding welcome to investigate unhealthy food marketing to children

Thursday 31 March 2022

The Obesity Policy Coalition today welcomed funding for preventative health measures announced in this year’s Federal budget around marketing and advertising of unhealthy food to children and development of a National Nutrition Policy Framework.

OPC welcomes the launch of the National Obesity Strategy this World Obesity Day

Friday 4 March 2022

This World Obesity Day, the Obesity Policy Coalition welcomes the launch of the National Obesity Strategy, which outlines a 10-year framework for action to prevent, manage and treat obesity and improve diets in Australia.

OPC supports the AMA’s new ‘Sickly Sweet’ campaign

Wednesday 19 January 2022

The Obesity Policy Coalition welcomes the launch of the Australian Medical Association’s new social media campaign, #SicklySweet, which turns the tables on catchy soft drink ads to educate Australians about the health risks of drinking these sugar-laden drinks.

Leading public health groups call for National Obesity Prevention Strategy to be strengthened

Wednesday 24 November 2021

The Obesity Policy Coalition (OPC) is calling for the National Obesity Prevention Strategy (NOPS) to reflect new data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), which shows overweight and obesity is soon set to overtake tobacco smoking as the leading burden of disease.

Jane Martin, Obesity Policy Coalition, comment on Victorian Government's Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures action plan

Friday 29 October 2021

Obesity Policy Coalition (OPC) welcomes the Victorian Government’s Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures action plan, announced today by the Minister of Health.

OPC calls for release of National Obesity Strategy following AIHW report

Friday 20 August 2021

Obesity is now set to overtake tobacco as the leading risk factor contributing to disease burden in Australia, according to a new report released this week by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

More than a spoonful of sugar…New research reveals the harmful sugars hiding in toddler snack foods

Tuesday 10 August 2021

New research published today by CHOICE has revealed many toddler snack products are packed with harmful sugars, are highly processed and often what's contained in the pack bears little resemblance to what's promised on the label.

OPC supports calls for health levy on sugary drinks

Wednesday 9 June 2021

Executive Manager of the Obesity Policy Coalition Jane Martin welcomed the AMA's calls today, urging the Australian Government to follow one of the 45 jurisdictions around the world that have already introduced a levy, which has seen a reduction in consumption of sugary drinks and in some cases, reformulation of drinks.

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