Childhood obesity prevention
The State Government’s ambitious $22.3m Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle program for children and families is underway.
A team of six co-ordinators starts work this week to run the five-year program, which is aimed at tackling obesity and chronic disease in the community.
Minister for Health John Hill said “Opal is based on a French model and is one of the few programs in the world that has proven results in combating childhood obesity, so we’re really keen to use it in our own community.
“A quarter of our state’s children are in the unhealthy weight range, which places them at increased risk of health, emotional and social problems as youngsters and later of course as adults.
“The implications of poor nutrition and a lack of exercise are serious, not just for the lives of those children, but also for the health system and the state’s economy.
“The OPAL managers will work closely with local groups to come up with community wide solutions to these important health issues.
“We are very pleased to be working with our Federal and local government partners, as dealing with childhood obesity needs a concerted effort across the whole community.”
The State Government is spending $11m to tackle obesity in the community and support healthy eating and physical activity in 2009-10. This includes funding of around $1.4 million for the Go for 2&5 campaigns and SA Health’s contribution to the Be Active campaign.
People can take action to combat childhood obesity. The problem will not be resolved unless parents get involved. Parents need to take responsibility and teach their children about nutrition, exercise and how to eat right. They can also lead by example by taking charge of their own health.
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