Australia is commonly perceived as a healthy country.  But many would be surprised to learn that around 66% of Australian adults are overweight or obese. This places Australia higher than average for developed countries, and rates in Australia have been climbing over recent years.

This report frames the challenge using the latest data from Australia and around the world. The report charts a course for reform and provides several recommendations and policy options for government to consider. 

Key findings

• Obesity is widespread in Australia, which has among the highest rates of obesity in the OECD.
• Australia has an alarming rate of childhood obesity. Around one in four Australian children aged 5–17 is overweight or obese.
• The cost to the Australian economy is the equivalent of 2% of GDP.
• Obesity contributes to 8.3% of Australia’s preventable disease burden. 
• Obesity disproportionately affects those in lower-income groups and regional/remote areas.
• Australia spends only about 2% of its total health budget on prevention.

Recommendations

1. Mandate front-of-pack health star ratings
2. Introduce incentives for workplace health investments
3. Establish a national obesity coordination framework
4. Expand targeted subsidy for obesity pharmacotherapy 
5. Increase the preventative health budget to OECD standards
6. Reform cost-benefit assessment in government decision-making.