Checks on diets to fight obesity
LAURA ANDERSON
20jul06
THOUSANDS of Australian children will be surveyed on their diets, their physical activity habits and their measurements, in the largest survey of childhood obesity in a decade.
Health Minister Tony Abbott, announcing the $3 million study yesterday, said the results would be used to fight the rising incidence of obesity and chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.
Between February and July next year, 4000 children across the nation will be interviewed to gather data.
University of South Australia and CSIRO researchers will undertake the survey, with results expected late next year.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand will use the data to develop a food composition database to identify the nutrient intake of Australian children and adolescents.
Mr Abbott also announced he would chair a new ministerial taskforce to co-ordinate the anti-obesity campaign.
He said community ambassadors, including high-profile athletes, would be engaged "to promote healthier living".
"As well, a new healthy weight website launched today will provide practical online advice on how to achieve and maintain a healthy weight," he said.
The moves have received strong criticism from Labor and the Australian Medical Association.
AMA federal president Dr Mukesh Haikerwal said the announcements to tackle obesity were "a big, fat, wasted opportunity".
"None of these initiatives are as hard-hitting as they need to be," he said.
"The taskforce is important but needs to be task-oriented to prevent it becoming just another talk-fest."
Labor's health spokeswoman Julia Gillard said the Government was guilty of "10 long years of inaction" on obesity, criticising the survey as a re-announcement.
"We need a national plan on obesity, one that takes into account action at the federal level, the state level and the local government level," she said. "Nothing else will do."
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