Obesity is a complex condition affecting our whole community. A range of social, environmental, and economic factors contribute to obesity and impact a person’s ability to maintain a healthy weight. If the current trend continues, more than 18 million Australians (two-thirds of our projected population) will be overweight or obese by 2030. Addressing overweight and obesity in Australia requires a multi-faceted, community wide approach delivered through a range of initiatives, sectors, and organisations.

To address this significant public health challenge, the Australian and state and territory governments have agreed to develop a national obesity strategy (Strategy). The Strategy will enable a more collaborative and comprehensive approach to addressing obesity nationally. It will also provide a way to identify actions and priorities for all levels of government as well as provide a focus for multi-sectoral partnerships and collaboration.

This draft strategy document has been released so that the Australian community can take part in a national consultation.