Thursday, September 21, 2017

Tipping the Scales: 8 evidence-based actions to improve Australians' poor diet and excess weight issue

On 19 September 2017 more than 30 leading community, public health, medical and academic groups united for the first time to call for urgent Federal Government action to address Australia’s serious obesity problem.

The ADA, including the ADAVB, are proud to back this action and the newly launched Tipping the Scales report through our partnership with Rethink Sugary Drink.

The Tipping the Scales report identifies eight practical, evidence-based actions the Australian Federal Government must take to reduce the enormous strain excess weight and poor diets are having on the nation’s physical and economic health:

1. Time-based restrictions on TV junk food advertising to kids
2. Set clear food reformulation targets
3. Make the Health Star Rating mandatory by July 2019
4. Develop a national active transport strategy
5. Fund weight-related public education campaigns
6. Introduce a 20% health levy on sugary drinks
7. Establish a national obesity taskforce
8. Develop and monitor national diet, physical activity and weight guidelines.

Join the call for action by sharing the infographic on social media with the hashtag #TippingTheScales.

Find out more:
Obesity coalition website
Tipping the Scales report (PDF)