The Senate Select Committee into the Obesity Epidemic in Australia was established on 16 May 2018. The committee is composed of seven Senators and was tasked with inquiring into and reporting on the following terms of reference:

• The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children in Australia and changes in these rates over time;
• The causes of the rise in overweight and obesity in Australia;
• The short and long-term harm to health associated with obesity, particularly in children in Australia;
• The short and long-term economic burden of obesity, particularly related to obesity in children in Australia;
• The effectiveness of existing policies and programs introduced by Australian governments to improve diets and prevent childhood obesity;
• Evidence-based measures and interventions to prevent and reverse childhood obesity, including experiences from overseas jurisdictions;
• The role of the food industry in contributing to poor diets and childhood obesity in Australia; and
• any other related matters.

This report is comprised of 10 chapters:

• Chapter 1 provides some background information around the prevalence of obesity, and defines some key terms;
• Chapter 2 discusses the importance of language and the high degree of stigma attached to the term 'obesity';
• Chapter 3 examines strategic policy directions which could help tackling obesity;
• Chapter 4 discusses the issue of food labelling;
• Chapter 5 focuses on the critical role of reformulation to improve the availability of healthier products;
• Chapter 6 examines the benefits of introducing a tax on sugary drinks;
• Chapter 7 focuses on the issues associated with the marketing and advertising of discretionary foods;
• Chapter 8 discusses the importance of education campaigns;
• Chapter 9 looks at the benefits of health care interventions; and
• Chapter 10 discusses promising multi-strategy prevention programs