Obesity headed for 75 per cent

The federal budget was a missed opportunity to tackle the nation's obesity crisis, a health group says.

The Obesity Policy Coalition (OPC) says Australia was on track to have 75 per cent of its populace overweight or obese within 20 years, a problem on a scale that warranted a tax overhaul and a new regime of food industry regulation.

"The government's tobacco control policies are world leading - now they must turn their attention to obesity," OPC senior policy adviser Jane Martin said on Wednesday.

"Recognising that policy is the key driver to deliver societal change and dampen demand for unhealthy food."

Ms Martin said missed opportunities for reform included placing a tax on unhealthy food, with the dollars it raised used for subsidies to make healthier foods cheaper.

The government should also set "meaningful" targets which required the food industry to reformulate its products, particularly to reduce salt levels.

The government's response to the Preventative Health Taskforce report, released on budget eve, had also disappointingly left "junk food marketing regulation in the hands of industry".

"The obesity epidemic will only continue to grow," Ms Martin said.

"In under 20 years, based on current trends, nearly 75 per cent of the Australian population will be overweight or obese."

"This will put increasing strain right through the health system unless we start to take preventive action now."

The Obesity Policy Coalition includes Diabetes Australia Victoria, The Cancer Council Victoria, Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) and the World Health Collaborating Centre for Obesity Prevention at Deakin University.

Responding to the budget, the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) acknowledged it had a role to play in addressing the nation's obesity problem.

"Industry looks forward to working with government to jointly address important issues such as obesity and overweight in Australia," said AFGC Chief Executive Kate Carnell.

"We understand that the emphasis is now firmly back on industry to deliver on its commitments for better health outcomes for all Australians."

AAP

My critique
It is really a big concern for Australian government for the obesity problem arisen. It may reach 75% if no further actions to be taken. Health should be the priority for every individual as well as a country because human capital is the main asset for a country. Healthy residents are needed to work for economic growth in a country. Besides, obesity can lead to various problems like heart diseases, high blood pressure and diabetes. All the preventive approaches mentioned in the article should be implemented and monitored regularly. Fast food restaurants should also reduce their salt,oil and sugar level. The main focus is on the food industry in order to improve the health level of people. I do agree this. So subsidies should be increased.