Queensland: The overweight state

It's the Sunshine State, but Queensland is in the middle of battling an obesity epidemic.

"Everyone thinks living in Queensland is just terrific: it's beautiful one day, perfect the next," says Sally Symonds, a wellness coach and author.

"It's perfect weather, great sunshine, and it's true - but unfortunately a lot of Queenslanders don't really make the most of it."

And she would know: Symonds has become a face for change among those looking to lose weight and improve their health in Queensland.

After gaining weight when she left highschool and moved through university, Symonds reached 106.5 kilograms at her heaviest.

In 2002 she had one of many what she calls "light bulb moments" where she decided that she "didn't want to die" and had to do something about her weight.

Some 45 kilograms later, she became a success story for other Queenslanders wanting to make different life choices all through what she says was hard work and determination.

She's an exception to the rule in the northern state, which is going through somewhat of a health crisis.

"Queensland is in the grips of an obesity epidemic"

"Queensland is in the grips of an obesity epidemic," says Doctor Chris Zappala, Preisdent of the Australian Medical Association Queensland.

"We're the heaviest state in Australia by 10 per cent. About three million Queenslanders will be overweight or obese by 2020 and that's a problem."

There are close to 2.5 million Queenslanders presentlyy that aren't a "normal, healthy weight" according to Kaye Pulsford, director of Preventive Health, Queensland.

A big part of the problem, she adds, is the geographical restrictions in a state as large as Queensland.

"For many in rural and regional Queensland, there are factors that contribute to the overweight and obesity problems.

"Particularly in rural areas: the availability of fresh fruit is far less than it is here.

"Some of our surveys have shown that the price of fresh fruit can be up to 26 per cent higher in those areas."