Tackling childhood obesity is the key to life long health

Dr Haikerwal cited the United Nations launch of a Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health, which was approved by the Annual Assembly of the World Health Organisation yesterday, as a significant catalyst for action.

"In developed countries such as Australia, the major causes of death and disease are nearly all linked to unhealthy diets and lack of physical activity," Dr Haikerwal said.

"The rate of heart disease, many cancers and diabetes is higher in Australians who are overweight and obese.

"The National Health and Medical Research Council said as many as 25 percent of children and adolescents are now overweight or obese.

"This is a major concern for the future of our young people, their health and the quality of their lives. It will get worse as they grow older.

"The cost to the community will be very high.

"The answer lies in a whole of Government and community approach," Dr Haikerwal said.

The AMA calls on Government and non-Government agencies to:

• Improve labelling requirements on all foods and clearly indicate which foods are low in fat, sugar and salt.

• Ban food advertising during children's peak viewing time.
• Provide financial incentives for school canteens to sell nutritious foods that are low in fat, sugars and salt.
• Encourage more opportunities for physical activity and not just competitive sport.
• Encourage more physical activity with parents.
• Improve nutrition education for children, parents and the community.
• Encourage urban planners to develop safe, stimulating, spaces for children to play.
• Provide more subsidised out-of-school hours care so that children are involved in physical activity.
• Reduce square screen time.

"Diseases of excess, including overeating, will see our young people suffer serious consequences earlier in their lives, than previous generations," Dr Haikerwal said.

CONTACT:         Judith Tokley            (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306