The Rising Tide of Childhood and Adolescent Obesity/Overweight in Australia

The Rising Tide of Childhood and Adolescent Obesity/Overweight in Australia

   Australia is facing a significant public health challenge with the rise of obesity and overweight among children and adolescents (Stearn, 2023). According to the latest available data, one in four children and adolescents aged 2–17 is living with overweight or obesity, representing approximately 1.2 million young Australians (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), 2020). This issue poses immediate health risks and forecasts grave implications for the future well-being of these individuals and the health system at large (Bryant, 2016).

Governmental Acknowledgement and ActionTop of Form

Recognizing the severity of the obesity epidemic, the Australian government has placed this issue on its agenda, indicating a growing awareness and willingness to tackle the problem head-on (Buse et al., 2012). The government has a role in acknowledging and addressing the multifaceted challenges of child obesity through comprehensive, evidence-based, and inclusive policy development. It advocates for a shift towards more integrated and child-centred policy approaches that consider the full spectrum of the built environment's impact on child health (Henry et al., 2024).

Health Policies

To address the issue, a feasibility study on policies to limit junk food advertising and packaging was conducted, and public consultation was initiated to gather feedback on policy proposals (Calcaterra et al., 2023). Moreover, there have been efforts to promote healthier lifestyles among children through various school-based programs and public health campaigns. These initiatives are vital in fostering environments that support healthy growth and development for children and adolescents (Ahmad et al., 2023). While these measures are a step in the right direction, their adequacy and equity remain under scrutiny. Limiting junk food advertising may have limited effectiveness if implemented in isolation. Comprehensive strategies that include educational programs, access to healthy foods, and opportunities for physical activity are essential to address the multifaceted nature of obesity (Leech et al., 2015). Moreover, policies must be equitable, ensuring that children from all socioeconomic backgrounds can lead healthy lives (Backholer et al., 2021).

Policy Gaps and Recommendations

One of the critical gaps in the current policy landscape is the insufficient emphasis on preventive measures that address the root causes of obesity (Calcaterra et al., 2023). While restricting advertising is important, broader societal and environmental factors, such as socioeconomic disparities, urban planning, and education, play significant roles in the obesity epidemic and require comprehensive strategies (Phillips et al., 2016). Additionally, there is a need for targeted interventions for high-risk groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, who experience higher rates of overweight and obesity compared to their non-Indigenous peers. Policies must be developed and implemented inclusively by involving communities (Lung et al., 2024). Addressing the challenge of obesity is possible and can be achieved through coordinated governance across multiple sectors, engagement in community projects, encouragement of individual efforts, and guidance from clinical leaders (Mihrshahi et al., 2018).

Conclusion

Childhood obesity in Australia is a complex issue that has rightfully gained governmental attention. While current policies signal a commitment to address this challenge, a more integrated, preventive, and equitable approach is needed. By focusing on the broader determinants of health and involving all sectors of society, Australia can hope to turn the tide on childhood obesity and overweight, ensuring a healthier future for the next generation.

 

References

Ahmad, K., Keramat, S. A., Ormsby, G. M., Kabir, E., & Khanam, R. (2023). Clustering of lifestyle and health behaviours in Australian adolescents and associations with obesity, self-rated health and quality of life. BMC Public Health, 23(1), 847. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-15724-6

Australian institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). (2020, August 13). Overweight and Obesity among Australian Children and adolescents, Summary. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/overweight-obesity/overweight-obesity-australian-children-adolescents/summary

Backholer, K., Baum, F., Finlay, S. M., Friel, S., Giles-Corti, B., Jones, A., Patrick, R., Shill, J., Townsend, B., Armstrong, F., Baker, P., Bowen, K., Browne, J., Büsst Cara, Butt, A., Canuto, K., Canuto, K., Capon, A., Corben, K., … Demaio, S. (2021). Australia in 2030: What is our path to health for all? Medical Journal of Australia, 214(S8). https://doi.org/10.5694/mja2.51020

Bryant, T. (2016). Health policy in Canada: everything matters. (2nd ed.). Canadian Scholars’ Press. https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.torrens.idm.oclc.org/lib/think/detail.action?docID=6340154

Buse, K., Mays, N. & Walt, G. (2012). Understanding public health. Making health policy (2nd ed.). Open University Press. https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.torrens.idm.oclc.org/lib/think/detail.action?docID=990486

Calcaterra, V., Cena, H., Magenes, V. C., Vincenti, A., Comola, G., Beretta, A., ... & Zuccotti, G. (2023). Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and metabolic risk in children and adolescents with obesity: a narrative review. Nutrients, 15(3), 702. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15030702

Henry, A., Fried, L., Nathan, A., Dhamrait, G., Boruff, B., Schipperijn, J., ... & Christian, H. (2024). The built environment and child obesity: A review of Australian policies. Obesity Reviews, 25(1), e13650. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13650

Leech, R. M., McNaughton, S. A., & Timperio, A. (2015). Clustering of diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviour among Australian children: cross-sectional and longitudinal associations with overweight and obesity. International journal of obesity, 39(7), 1079-1085. https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2015.66

Lung, T., Killedar, A., Taki, S., Wen, L. M., Dickson, M., Howard, K., ... & Hayes, A. (2024). Differences in weight status among Australian children and adolescents from priority populations: a longitudinal study. International Journal of Obesity, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-024-01471-0

Mihrshahi, S., Gow, M. L., & Baur, L. A. (2018). Contemporary approaches to the prevention and management of paediatric obesity: an Australian focus. Medical Journal of Australia, 209(6), 267-274. https://doi.org/10.5694/mja18.00140

Phillips, C.L, Fisher, I.M., Baum, F.E., MacDougall, C.J., Newman, L.A. & McDermott, D.R. (2016). To what extent do Australian child and youth health policies address the social determinants of health and health equity? A document analysis study. BMC Public Health, 16(512). https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-016-3187-6

Stearn, E. (2023, May 22). Nations with fattest kids revealed - and top place might surprise you. Mail Online. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12110595/Countries-fattest-5s-revealed-place-surprise-you.html