Queensland Health has revitalised its End Your Unhealthy Relationships campaign to encourage people to ‘Dump the Junk’ and break out of their unhealthy food relationships.
Executive Director of Preventive Health Branch at Queensland Health, Mark West said the rates of self-reported overweight and obesity had been tracking upwards in Queensland for more than a decade.
“Currently, when measured, 66 per cent of Queensland adults are overweight or obese and about 33 per cent of those don’t even realise it,” Mr West said.
“A further 23 per cent are at risk of becoming overweight or obese if they do not change their current unhealthy behaviour.”
Mr West said an overweight or obese status put those people at risk of chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.
“It also puts pressure on the individual’s health, the health system and the Queensland economy. That is why this campaign is so important, to help educate and encourage Queenslanders to take ownership of their health,” he said.
“To achieve and maintain a healthy weight, Queenslanders should eat a wide variety of nutritious foods, drink plenty of water, be physically active every day, and limit their intake of food and drink high in saturated fat and those containing added sugar and salt.”
Executive Director of Queensland Health’s Strategic Communications Branch, Robert Hoge said the End Your Unhealthy Relationships campaign was part of a broader strategy to support Queenslanders to make healthier lifestyle choices.
“Two years ago, the first campaign had a positive impact because it was relatable content from a trusted source. We’re looking to build on that this year,” Mr Hoge said.
Further information can be accessed on the Dump the Junk website at this PS News link.
