Obesity among Queensland kids is steadily declining

THE rate of obesity among Queensland kids is steadily declining but experts warn there is still lots of work to do to improve the health of our children.

THE rate of obesity among Queensland kids is steadily declining but experts warn it’s not time to take our foot off the pedal when it comes to childhood obesity.

New data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reveals the number of Queensland kids who are obese has dropped for the first time since 2007.

Cancer Council Queensland chief Chris McMillan.

The percentage of overweight obese kids has dropped to 24 per cent, down from 27 per cent in 2011-12.

Cancer Council Queensland CEO Chris McMillan said while she was delighted to hear that childhood obesity rates in Queensland were declining, with 24 per cent of children still overweight or obese, there was still work to do to improve the health of our children.

“Obese children have a greater risk of becoming obese adults, which is a risk factor for cancer as well as a number of other chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes,” she said.

“Encouraging our children to maintain a healthy weight throughout their life, and leading by example, is one of the most important ways we can protect them — and ourselves — from these diseases.”

Victoria recorded the highest rates of rates overweight and obese children in the country at 30.8 per cent — well above the national average of 26.1 per cent.