Nutrition experts are calling for a nationally coordinated approach to tackle the country’s obesity problem and improve the health of Australians.
One hundred nutrition experts from 53 organisations working with state and federal bureaucrats have drawn up the obesity action plan to control the nation’s weight problem that is costing the nation $56 billion a year. The review of state and federal food labelling, advertising and health policies found huge variation across the country and experts want it corrected by a National Nutrition Policy.
The nation is in the grip of an obesity crisis with almost two out of three (63 per cent) Australian adults, and one in four (25 per cent) Australian children overweight or obese, while obesity is markedly more prevalent amongst people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent compared to all Australians
-With 25 per cent of men and 29 per cent of women being obese-
Obesity is also one of the lead causes of disease and death including cancer.
Professor Stephen Colagiuri from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre claims a ‘sugar tax’ will help individuals moderate their sugary beverage intake, in much the same way as current alcohol, tobacco, and road safety measures like seat belts and speed restrictions preventing harmful behaviours.
Australian Politicans have previously dismissed a sugar tax as they claim it interferes with an individuals rights.
