NSW Health is aiming to reverse the trend of obesity in adults in the next decade with the launch of a new healthy living strategy.
Acting Chief Health Officer, Dr Marianne Gale said the NSW Healthy Eating and Active Living Strategy 2022-2032 also aimed to reduce overweight and obesity in children and young people by five per cent by 2030.
Dr Gale said more than one in two adults (56.8 per cent) and one in five children (19.3 per cent) were above a healthy weight in NSW.
“People should be able to have an open conversation with their healthcare provider about their wellbeing and weight so they can access advice that helps them make long-term lifestyle changes,” Dr Gale said.
“The underlying causes of obesity are complex,” she said.
“We want to create environments that support healthy choices and ensure people are connected to the right support services.”
Dr Gale said some people faced significant barriers to adopting healthy eating and active living behaviours.
“The Strategy focuses on supporting those in our community who need it most,” the A/Chief Health Officer said.
She said the Strategy would address overweight and obesity across the community by focusing on prevention programs, routine advice on healthy eating and active living as part of clinical care, and social marketing to support behavioural change.
Dr Gale said the Strategy would also focus on healthy food and built environments to support healthy eating and active living.
NSW Health’s new 30-page Strategy can be accessed at this PS News link.
