Queensland has launched a new strategy to combat obesity.

The ‘Making Healthy Happen 2032’ initiative aims to prevent, reduce, and treat obesity across the state, and comes in response to the National Obesity Strategy 2022-2032.

The scheme, which will be implemented by Health and Wellbeing Queensland, is supported by ten other government departments, industry partners, and community organisations.

Statistics from the National Health Survey 2022 show that less than a third of Queenslanders have maintained a healthy weight.

In Queensland, 34.6 per cent of adults classified as obese, surpassing the national rate of 31.7 per cent. 

Nationwide, more than one in four children are living with overweight or obesity - conditions that often persist into adulthood.

The ill-health consequences of obesity and overweight have been estimated to cost the Queensland health system $756 million per year.  

“More Queenslanders are turning to pre-packaged, less nutrient dense foods because they are cheaper than fresh food alternatives,” Premier Steven Miles says. 

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

The state scheme will focus on supporting national reform initiatives to make processed food and drinks healthier.  

It will establish healthy food and drink strategies in healthcare, workplaces, schools, sport and recreational facilities, while also delivering targeted family, youth and school-based activities to promote positive food culture.

The Premier says the program includes continuous, evidence-based behaviour change campaigns , and a simplified process for referral to prevention programs and resources .  

“Research shows that if nothing is done, children born this decade would live a shorter life than their parents, due to obesity,” says Dr Robyn Littlewood, Health and Wellbeing Queensland CEO.

She stressed the importance of creating supportive environments for healthier living, particularly for First Nations children, who could lose up to 5.1 years of life expectancy if current trends continue.