Australia's Progress in Improving Diets and Preventing Obesity: Clear Opportunities for Action.

Abstract

Australia, like other developed countries, has a high prevalence of overweight and obesity, in both adults and children. This review examines progress in food policy in Australia, particularly at a national level, around key policy domains as well as in relation to public education. Australia lacks a national nutrition strategy or an obesity prevention strategy, incorporating best practice recommendations to improve diets. Examination of current progress shows patchy implementation of key food policy initiatives and significant gaps, particularly at the federal level. In the absence of a long-term strategic approach, the response of the federal government has been ad hoc around the adoption of key policies and funding for programs to improve what Australians eat. Consensus around a platform for obesity prevention for national action, including food policy, is building from public health, academic and consumer groups.