The Senate Select Committee into the Obesity Epidemic in Australia aims to introduce a federal National Obesity Strategy to tackle the dramatic increase of overweight and obesity in all age groups.

The Committee's Final Report outlines 22 recommendations, proposing the implementation of consistent food labelling for processed and discretionary foods, improving the availability of healthier products, imposing a tax on sugary drinks and introducing stricter rules to reduce exposure of discretionary food marketing to children.

The multi-faceted strategy undertaken by the Committee endeavours to holistically engage the community, medical professionals and government to both re-educate and improve behaviours around diet and physical activity, and to intervene in treatment of those already living with obesity. The Committee recommends obesity is added to the list of medical conditions eligible for the Chronic Disease Management scheme, to better deliver effective healthcare interventions and treatment. 

Read the Final Report here.