Childhood Obesity- Australia weighs in on junk food ads
March 12, 2007
ONE in five four-year-olds in South Australia are overweight or obese, according to a survey by the state's Department of Health.
In light of the findings, the state is backing a NSW move to control junk food advertising during children's television viewing times. Representatives from the South Australian Government, the corporate sector, community groups, education and health experts will meet in Adelaide tomorrow to discuss strategies to address the state's growing weight problem.
"Ideally what we want is for our community leaders to join us to be part of the solution for dealing with the obesity epidemic," South Australian Health Minister John Hill said.
The survey, conducted last year, found that 20 per cent of four-year-olds are overweight or obese, 78 per cent of people feel there is too much advertising of unhealthy food during children's television viewing times and 90per cent believed the advertisements influenced children to want to buy junk food.
"This survey clearly indicates that SA parents are deeply concerned about the impact of junk food advertising on their children," Mr Hill said.
He said he supported a move by NSW to put controls on junk food advertising during children's viewing times.
"We think there really needs to be some controls on advertising junk food to our most vulnerable - our children."
Mr Hill also released a guide for teachers to help them teach children how to make healthy choices in life.
AAP Childhood Obesity 
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