How politicians will help keep kids healthy

LABOR plans to roll out a diabetes prevention program throughout regional Queensland to help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Reducing childhood obesity needs to start in the home with parents and healthy eating, the LNP says.

Our Fair Go For Our Kids campaign revealed there were higher rates of overweight or obese children in regional areas than in the cities. Childhood obesity can lead to a higher risk of developing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes.

Queensland Health figures show in north Brisbane 21.5 per cent of children are overweight or obese, compared to 27.3 per cent on the Darling Downs and 28 per cent in Ipswich.

Health Minister Cameron Dick said the $27.4 million My Health for Life program had been launched in Wide Bay, Cairns, Gold Coast and Ipswich and would be expanded to Townsville, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast, Mackay, Torres Strait, Mt Isa and Longreach.

“The program provides participants with the motivation and support needed to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyle behaviours such as eating a healthier diet, increasing physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol consumption and quitting smoking,” he said.

“Already participants are reporting weight loss, increased levels of physical activity and improved mental well-being, and some have even referred to the program as personally life changing, so from everything we are hearing, we know this program is both efficient and effective in making real change happen for Queenslanders.”

Opposition spokesman Jon Krause said an LNP government would “engage local communities” to tackle childhood obesity. “Reducing childhood obesity needs to start in the home with parents and healthy eating.”