Rates of overweight and obesity in Australia are influenced by the physical, social and economic environments. Currently Australia has an obesogenic environment that discourages physical activity and healthy diets, while promoting sedentary activities and consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages, see more in our policy brief Overweight, obesity and chronic diseases in Australia. The Obesity Policy Coalition identifies, analyses and advocates for evidence-informed policy and regulatory initiatives to improve diets and address obesity in Australia, particularly among children.
'99% fruit and veg'. It has to be healthy, doesn't it? Not necessarily.
Every child should be able to play, learn and live in a world that supports and promotes their health and wellbeing.
The evidence of the effects of unhealthy food advertising on children supports the need for improved regulatory controls to reduce children's exposure to unhealthy food and drink marketing.
Discussion of Australian food labelling, particularly the Health Star Rating System and energy labelling on fast food menus.
The case for a 20% health levy on sugary drinks as an effective tool to reduce consumption and tackle high rates of overweight and obesity in Australia, together with other pricing measures.
Additional areas of policy and law that relate to obesity, discussed in submissions and policy briefs.
A comprehensive report detailing the failure of successive governments to tackle Australia's obesity problem, despite a report published 10 years ago promising to make Australia the 'healthiest country by 2020'.
A comprehensive analysis on how the food industry is failing to protect children from unhealthy food marketing with its self-regulated codes, and what needs to be done to improve the system.
Identifies eight clear actions the Australian government must take to reduce the enormous strain excess weight and poor diets are having on the nation’s physical and economic health.
The index developed for Australia benchmarks the food and diet-related policies that are in place in Australian states/territories and nationally and identifies gaps.