Media Statement
For immediate release
Thursday, 21 September 2006

Turner: Parent education key to obesity epidemic

United Future health spokesperson Judy Turner says the Government’s approach to obesity may be well intentioned, but is weak and vague.

She's responding to the Government’s announcement it plans to spend nearly $70 million to fight obesity.

“The time for initiatives has passed. What we need now are hard-hitting campaigns like those in the 1980s on anti-smoking and wearing your seatbelt," says Mrs Turner.

“Obesity cannot become another issue left up to schools to fight. They’re already doing their bit and have done so for years.

"In any case, eating habits are formed before primary school and so it’s too late to begin teaching at school.

“We need better public health campaigns and they need to target parents. Prevention is better than cure.

"This can only be done by teaching parents what they should give their children to eat.

“There’s no point teaching children about the value of fruit and vegies if parents don’t buy them,” concluded Mrs Turner.

ENDS

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