Dr Tessa Kennedy’s speech to the NSW Health JMO Wellbeing and Support Forum
June 7, 2017AMA (NSW) welcomes State Budget’s infrastructure spend
June 20, 2017AMA (NSW) President, Prof Brad Frankum, is welcoming moves by the State Government to improve the health of food available in the state’s public hospitals.
“Hospitals are the perfect places to be leading by example when it comes to healthy eating – and it should be noted that some have already gone down this route.
“Ensuring that 75 per cent of foods available in hospitals are healthier options and that only 25 per cent will be occasional foods is a great idea.
“The best part of this is that sugary drinks that provide no nutritional value are off the menu entirely.
“I hope the state’s private hospitals also get on board with this idea and help send a message about nutrition and diet,” Prof Frankum said.
“It’s great to see the Government following through on its priority to reduce childhood obesity through initiatives like this.
“And it’s especially pleasing to note that NSW is the first state to be implementing this kind of measure across the board,” Prof Frankum said.
“Overweight and obesity carry with them increased health risks for a wide variety of life-threatening and life-limiting diseases.
“With more than 60 per cent of the adult population and a quarter of children overweight or obese, we all have our part to play in improving our diet and exercise.
“There will be no one measure that stops the growth we’ve been seeing in obesity rates or significantly reduces the proportion of the population who are overweight.
“It is far too complicated a health problem.
“What we need to do is encourage more measures like the one NSW Health has unveiled today and to build on their success.
“I’ve always said we need a multi-pronged, Government-led program.
“I’m glad NSW is leading the way and I challenge the Federal Government to do more on this issue,” Prof Frankum said.
Media contact: Lachlan Jones 0419 402 955