Technical Paper 1:
Obesity in Australia: a need for urgent action
3.2 - What is required to address the problem
- 1 - Executive summary
2 - Obesity in Australia
3 - Obesity prevention- 3.1 - What could be achieved in obesity control
- 3.2 - What is required to address the problem
- 3.2.1 - Prompt action
- 3.2.2 - Multi-faceted, multi-sectoral response
- 3.2.3 - Leadership and coordination
- 3.2.4 - Role of individuals
- 3.2.5 - Role of governments
- 3.2.6 - Role of healthcare systems
- 3.2.7 - Social determinants of health
- 3.2.8 - The environment
- 3.2.9 - Working with industry
- 3.2.10 - Population-wide focus
- 3.2.11 - High-risk groups
- 3.2.12 - Costs
- 3.2.13 - Research, monitoring and evaluation
- 4 - Potential initiatives
- Conclusion
- References
- Addendum for October 2008 to June 2009
The magnitude of the obesity problem (in Australia and internationally), the n umber of decades over which it has emerged, and the complexity and multitude of its health, social, economic, cultural and environmental determinants and consequences demand a long-term, comprehensive and well-funded response. Addressing obesity requires much greater change than has been attempted or achieved to date, and at multiple levels. Significant individual, family, community, organisational and environmental changes are required in order for Australians to achieve and maintain a healthy weight and to prevent obesity. It is not something that governments can do alone. This is recognised in the UK cross-government strategy, for instance, which involves working in partnership with communities, businesses, third sector organisations and individuals in a national ‘Coalition for Better Health’.[40]