Released 13/02/2017
Canberrans are encouraged to get involved in Australia’s Healthy Weight Week (13 - 19 February 2017) by making healthy meals at home, getting active, and participating in some of the events around the ACT this week.
“Australia’s Healthy Weight Week is a great reminder that we need to improve what we are eating and focus on getting more healthy foods into our lifestyles such as five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit a day,” Minister Fitzharris said.
"Overweight and obesity is very high across Australia, including the ACT where 63 per cent of adults and 25 per cent of children are overweight or obese.
“Through the Healthy Weight Initiative, the ACT Government is committed to supporting a healthy, active and productive community, by helping to make the healthy choice the easy choice for Canberrans.
“We are continuing to address the rates of overweight and obesity in the ACT by focussing on our schools and workplaces, supporting healthy food choices, and looking at our urban planning to encourage people to use active travel options.
“The consequences of overweight and obesity include increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and some forms of cancers.
“This is why we are funding a range of programs, including the ACT Nutrition Support Service, Good Habits for Life, the provision of exercise equipment in our parks and other open spaces through the Find Fitness Outdoors initiative, active travel commuter programs including Park & Pedal, and the Healthier Work program, all of which are focussed on helping the ACT community to make healthy and active lifestyle choices.
“Under the Healthy Weight Initiative, the Government is also increasing access to healthy food and drink choices across ACT public schools. All ACT schools are provided with significant levels of support in improving healthy food choices for students through the Fresh Tastes program.
“Simple lifestyle changes such as going for a walk or bike ride or catching the bus on a regular basis can have significant health benefits,” said Minister Fitzharris.
Healthy Weight Week is an initiative of the Dietitians Association of Australia and seeks to raise awareness about the importance of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle including developing healthy eating habits.
For more information on Australia’s Healthy Weight Week including nutrition information to help improve eating habits, a list of events and a free cookbook, visit healthyweightweek.com.au.
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases
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