Almost 70 per cent of Australian adults are overweight or obese, with the statistics even more worrying for people living in remote areas of the country.
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It is projected more than 18 million Australians - two-thirds of the population - will be overweight or obese by 2030 if current trends continue.
To address the epidemic, state and territory governments have joined forces with the COAG Health Council to develop a national obesity strategy, with Territorians the first to weigh in.
"We know that one of the contributors to better social outcomes is a healthy diet and lifestyle," Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles said.
"Being overweight is a complex area influenced by poverty, lack of education and other health-related issues, and we know a comprehensive strategy is needed to address it."
She said the consultation process provides an opportunity to guide government on how we can work with others to create environments that support a healthy weight, and empower individuals and communities.
"The consultation has kicked off in the Northern Territory and I urge Territorians to have their say on how the strategy should be framed, and what preventive action and support should be included."
The calls come just weeks after Katherine was revealed as the most overweight and obese town in Australia, with almost 80 per cent of the adults tipping the scale.
The data compiled by the Mitchell Institute at Victoria University drew clear lines between low incomes, remote living and weight issues, and sparked renewed calls for policy change at every level of government.
A consultation paper has been developed to seek the views of Territorians, and community forums and discussions will begin with face-to-face consultations in Darwin and Alice Springs.
The information gathered will help to set out a 10-year plan to reduce obesity nationally.
But according to Ms Fyles, the Territory is already starting to see some success in tackling obesity.
At last week's Health COAG, Fyles shared the results of the Healthy Stores 2020 research project with her interstate counterparts.
She said the 12-week study involved 14 remote stores in the NT and six in Queensland, which found a reduction in unhealthy purchases.
Stores were required to remove unhealthy foods from high traffic areas, and create more awareness surrounding healthy choices.
"The collaborative study between the Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation (ALPA) and Monash University found there was an overall 6 per cent reduction in the purchase of targeted unhealthy food and drinks while there was an overall 13 per cent increase in healthy food and drinks," a government spokesman said.
"No reduction in the stores' gross profit was recorded during the study."
To become involved in the National Obesity Strategy visit the website here. Consultation closes on December 15.
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