ACHIEVE AND MAINTAIN A HEAlTHY WEIGHT
15Guideline 1
These changes contribute to an ‘obesogenic’ environment, which promotes excess weight gain by fostering
consumption of energy-dense and relatively nutrient-poor foods and/or reduced physical activity.138,147-150
In the context of this social and physical environment, overweight and obese individuals need support, rather
than criticism and discrimination. Education has an important role in establishing health behaviours and the
readiness of individuals to effect behavioural change. Healthy weight initiatives must achieve a balance between
individual and societal responsibility and be culturally appropriate, widely available and accessible, particularly to
disadvantaged and vulnerable groups.89,151
Energy intake and trend data
In adults, energy intake increased by 3–4% in the decade to 1995, equivalent to an additional 350 kilojoules per
day (see Figure 1.1).^152 Greater increases were seen in children and adolescents, with energy intake increasing
by 11% for 10–15 year-old girls (equivalent to an additional 900 kilojoules per day) and by 15% for 10–15 year-old
boys (equivalent to an additional 1,400 kilojoules per day) (see Figure 1.2).^152 Without compensatory increases
in physical activity, these changes are enough to have resulted in the significant observed increase in mean
body weight.^152
It should be noted that results of the 2007 Australian National Children’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey
cannot be compared with previous national surveys due to differences in methodology. As well, in some groups
(such as older girls) there is likely to have been significant under-reporting of energy intake.^12 up-to-date data will
be provided by the 2011–13 Australian Health Survey, which is collecting information about the dietary intake of
Australians aged 2 years and over.^93
Figure 1.1: Mean energy intakes of adults: 1983 and 1995
T
T
020004000600080001000012000140001995
1983
Males Females
Kilojoules
T
T
Source: Adapted from Cook et al (2001).^152