Obesity and overweight
Many Australians are overweight or obese and at higher risk of developing chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Find out what we’re doing to reduce and prevent obesity in Australia.
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In Australia:
- about two thirds of adults are overweight or obese
- almost one quarter of 5 to 17 year olds are overweight or obese
Being overweight or obese means you are at a higher risk of getting a related illness, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, osteoarthritis and some types of cancer.
To reduce obesity, we need to support the community to make healthier food choices and be more active.
What we’re doing about obesity and overweight
To reduce and prevent obesity in Australia, we:
- held a National Obesity Summit in Canberra in 2019 — this brought together experts to explore the causes of obesity and what we can do about it
- funded the National Health and Medical Research Council to review and update the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Overweight and Obesity in Adults, Adolescents and Children
- are acting on the recommendations of the Select Committee into the Obesity Epidemic — see their final report from December 2018
- work with states and territories to develop a National Obesity Strategy
We also work on policies and initiatives to support healthy food and nutrition and encourage Australians to do more exercise and physical activity.
Key guidelines
The Australian Dietary Guidelines
These guidelines provide up-to-date advice about the amount and kinds of foods you should eat for your health and wellbeing. The recommendations are based on scientific evidence and research.
Initiatives and programs
Girls Make your Move
Girls Make your Move is about inspiring, energising and empowering young women to be more active regardless of ethnicity, size or ability.
Resources
National Obesity Summit: summary of proceedings
The National Obesity Summit brought together experts to explore factors leading to overweight and obesity. This summary of proceedings should be read with the Summit program.
Support services
Obesity Australia
Obesity Australia is the legal entity and oversight body for the Collective for Action on Obesity (Obesity Collective).
Dietitians Australia
Dietitians Australia is the peak body for dietetic and nutrition professionals. You can find an accredited dietitian here.
Government agencies we work with
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Department of Health Portfolio AgencyThe Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) aims to help Australians athletes, organisations and sporting clubs, from the grassroots level through to the elite, fundraise to achieve their sporting dreams.
