Queensland’s new plan to tackle obesity epidemic threatening to cut kids’ lives short by 5 years

The state government has unveiled a plan to tackle the state’s astonishing obesity rates, with children born after 2023 at risk of having their lives cut short by up to five years.

The Queensland Government has released a plan to tackle the state’s alarming obesity rates after research found children born in the decade from 2023 could see their life expectancy reduced by more than 5 years if current trends continue.

According to Queensland Health, 2.7 million Queensland adults (69 per cent) and 210,000 children (25 per cent) are overweight or obese.

Health consequences of obesity and overweight have been estimated to cost the Queensland health system $756 million per year. To tackle the crisis, the Queensland Government has unveiled a comprehensive strategy named “Making Healthy Happen 2032,” aimed at preventing, reducing, and treating obesity including by reducing their exposure to marketing of unhealthy food and drinks.

Premier Steven Miles said Queenslanders were turning to pre-packaged foods, again highlight the need to hold supermarket giants accountable for the increasing unhealthy habits being adopted.

Premier Steven Miles says Queensland’s obesity strategy is leading the nation. Picture: David Clark

“More Queenslanders are turning to pre-packaged, less nutrient dense foods because they are cheaper than fresh food alternatives,” he said.

“That’s exactly why we are putting pressure on the big supermarkets to do better by farmers and families.

“I led the creation of Health and Wellbeing Queensland so I’m pleased they are now leading the nation in implementing this strategy.”

Developed by Health and Wellbeing Queensland in collaboration with ten other government departments, as well as industry and community partners, the initiative aims to make it easier for Queenslanders to adopt healthier lifestyles.

Main focus points of the plan include implementing national reform initiatives to make processed food and drinks healthier and strategies in healthcare, schools, sport and recreational facilities and workplaces that promotes healthy food and beverage.

It will also target family, youth and school-based activities to promote positive food culture and healthy habits, as well as government-funded campaigns and the introduction of a simplified referral process for prevention programs.

According to the plan, by 2032 Queenslanders will have access to “culturally appropriate and affordable healthy food options” as well as more “safe and affordable physical activity opportunities” with suburbs to be designed to encourage more outdoor recreation.

The plan also aims to provide Queenslanders greater access to healthy food and drink options in places outside the home.

Queensland will be the first Australian jurisdiction to adopt the National Obesity Strategy 2022-2032.

Originally published as Queensland’s new plan to tackle obesity epidemic threatening to cut kids’ lives short by 5 years