Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

News Video | Policy | GPs | Hospitals | Medical | Mental Health | Welfare | Search

 

Health Families programme ‘useful start’

Health Families programme ‘useful start’ but more action needed, says NZMA

The NZMA welcomes the Health Families programme, launched by Health Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman in Gisborne today.

“This is a useful first step in countering the ‘obesogenic’ environment that makes it difficult for people to lose weight and improve their health,” says NZMA Chair Dr Mark Peterson. “But much more is needed.”

The NZMA’s policy briefing on obesity, released last year, set out a number of recommendations that require a whole-of-government and a whole-of-community response, including greater protection from marketing of unhealthy food, particularly for children; consistent and easy-to-understand food labelling and tools such as taxes on sugar-sweetened drinks.

“Obesity is a public health crisis in New Zealand,” says Dr Peterson. “Policy and regulatory measures are needed to complement community-based approaches such as Health Families. We need to do better to make the healthy choice the easy choice.”

Tackling Obesity is available on the NZMA’s website.


ends

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Culture Headlines | Health Headlines | Education Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • CULTURE
  • HEALTH
  • EDUCATION
 
 
  • Wellington
  • Christchurch
  • Auckland
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.