The study was conducted by Deakin University’s Institute for Health Transformation and by the Obesity Policy Coalition. Associate Professor Gary Sacks was one the researchers that conducted the study. Mr. Sacks explained the results show that not all states consider obesity a priority.
‘’The report found that some of the state governments in Australia are taking really positive steps in addressing obesity but others are lagging behind. So we've got a really mixed bag of policies around the country."
Mr Sacks pointed out that NSW is the state that has marked the most progress, while Victoria, Tasmania and North Australia are the states that have taken the least steps in addressing obesity.
‘’What we are seeing there is even though there are some initiatives in place, on a whole they are not prioritising obesity prevention and this is when obesity rates in those states are rising.’’
Junk food advertising is a significant obesity factor Source: Supplied
The professor believes that a national co-ordinated approach is required to tackle the issue. Obesity Policy Coalition Executive Manager Jane Martin agrees but she noted that the issue the states face is not on the quality of their policies on obesity.
“It's not so much that the policies aren't good enough, it's the implementation and compliance is not good. And that's really what needs to be monitored and improved. So there are some stand-out work that's been done which this report has highlighted and each state has positives and negatives.’’
Lastly, Mr Sacks said that another factor that needs to be addressed in the constant exposure to advertisements about junk food we face everywhere we go.
‘’At the moment, our kids are saturated with ads of junk-food, when they are walking to school, when they are at the train station, when they are watching tv - that's bombarded with junk food ads and that definitely contributes to the problem.’’
Press Play to hear the podcast in Greek
