Healthy weight campaigns and programs -                    where to go for more information

Many organisations are working to help people achieve and maintain a healthy body weight in order to reduce the risk of a number of chronic diseases.  To find out more about some of the different programs available in Western Australia and throughout the rest of the country choose from the links below:

Western Australian Campaigns

• Draw the Line Campaign aims to prevent unhealthy weight gain among Western Australian adults.  It is a joint initiative of the Heart Foundation WA, the Cancer Council WA and Diabetes WA and is funded by the WA Department of Health.
• Go for 2&5^(R)Campaign is a collaborative effort between the WA Department of Health, the Cancer Council WA and Diabetes WA.  The campaign aims to increase fruit and vegetable intake across the State.  The organisations work with a range of industry and non-government stakeholders to develop strategies to increase consumption of fruit and vegetables.

• Unplug + Play Parent Campaign targets parents in Western Australia, to increase their awareness of the urgent need for children to spend more time in active play and less time using TV, electronic games and the internet for entertainment.  This campaign is a Heart Foundation initiative in partnership with the Cancer Council WA and Diabetes WA, and is funded by the WA Department of Health.

Western Australian Organisations

• Physical Activity Task Force links government and community agencies to strengthen the promotion and development of physical activity programs for healthy lifestyles, for the environment and to build stronger communities.

National Campaigns

• Measure Up Campaign is part of the Australian Better Health Initiative (ABHI), a national program, supported by the Australian and state and territory governments.  It aims to reduce the risk factors for chronic diseases, such as some cancers, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes, by promoting healthier lifestyle behaviours.

• Swap It, Don't Stop It! Campaign is the next part of the Measure Up Campaign and highlights the link between increased waist size and the risk of chronic disease. Eric, an animated balloon character, is the face of the new campaign. Over the years Eric's belly has ballooned but he is now making small changes to his lifestyle to improve his health. He is encouraging you to join him too.

National organisations, websites and documents

• Diabetes Australia is a national federated body comprised of state and territory organisations supporting people with diabetes and those professional and research bodies, particularly concerned with the treatment and prevention of diabetes.  Its purpose is to help all people affected by diabetes and those at risk and to contribute to the search for a cure.
• Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) is the national Association of the profession, with branches in each State and Territory.  As well as supporting its members, DAA advocates for better food and improved health in order to reduce chronic disease in the Australian population.
• Healthy Weight Website is an initiative of the Australian Government, Department of Health and Ageing.  It provides information and advice on healthy body weight, healthy eating and physical activity.
• National Heart Foundation aims to save lives and improve health through funding cardiovascular research, providing guidelines for health professionals, informing the public and assisting people with cardiovascular disease.
• Nutrition Australia is an independent, member organisation that aims to promote the health and well-being of all Australians.
• The Parents Jury is an online network of parents, grandparents and guardians, who are interested in improving the food and physical activity environments of Australian children.  It provides a forum for parents to voice their views and to collectively advocate for the improvement of children's food and physical activity environments.