Obesity prevention initiatives

We're involved in 3 initiatives aimed at reducing childhood obesity:

Obesity Policy Coalition

The Parents Jury

Creating healthy environments for children

Obesity policy coalitionObesity Policy Coalition

The Obesity Policy Coalition (OPC) was established in mid 2006 by Deakin University, Diabetes Australia – Vic, Cancer Council Victoria and VicHealth, and is housed at Cancer Council Victoria.

The OPC was established with the aim of influencing change in policy and regulation to support obesity prevention, particularly in Australian children.

For more information see www.opc.org.au


The parent's juryThe Parents Jury

The Parents Jury is a web-based network of Australian parents who collectively advocate for the improvement of children's food and physical activity environments (such as reduced unhealthy food marketing to children, healthy choices for school canteens and activity-friendly neighbourhoods).

The Parents Jury is supported by Cancer Council Australia, Diabetes Australia Vic, QLD & WA, the Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society (ANZOS) and VicHealth.

Membership of The Parents Jury is free and open to all Australian parents, grandparents and guardians of children aged 18 or under.

Register online at www.parentsjury.org.au.


Creating healthy environments for children

Cancer Council Victoria is currently working with the state government to develop a new, health-promoting, schools-and-early-childhood-services initiative: the Victorian Prevention and Health Promotion Achievement Program. This is to be rolled-out in 2012.

From 2006 to 2011, Cancer Council Victoria and Diabetes Australia - Vic worked together to create healthy environments for children aged 0 to 12 in Victoria. This was predominantly through the management and delivery of the Kids - ‘Go for your life' program, a state-wide initiative funded by the state government.

The program aimed to reduce childhood obesity through the promotion of healthy eating and physical activity in childcare, kindergarten, family daycare and primary schools. Kids - ‘Go for your life' achieved significant capacity and commitment across Victoria, with over 60% of primary schools and early childhood services as members, and over 500 health professionals involved.

We will support the transition of Kids - ‘Go for your life' schools and services into the new health promotion initiative.  


Other obesity prevention links

There are a range of organisations that provide practical advice on achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and body shape. Other organisations can also provide advice on preventing or managing other health issues caused by overweight and obesity.

for