Bridget Archer (Bass, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Braddon for this motion that paves the way for a discussion on obesity, our nation's health and steps that can be taken to ensure that all Australians can live healthy and fulfilling lives. As co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Nutrition, and having just come from an event this morning with a focus on nutrition and mental health, it's a policy area I'm particularly passionate about.

I do agree that new pharmacotherapies for obesity have the potential to be a game changer in the fight against obesity and recognise that, for some, new drugs have provided an opportunity to succeed in their goal of losing weight after every other attempt has failed. I think it's important that those in need are supported as they seek to change their lifestyle. New medications may play a role in some circumstances and, as the member for Braddon acknowledged, addressing obesity will realise benefits in multiple areas of the healthcare system and economy. However, I'm a firm believer that investment in preventive health measures should be paramount, as is educating how we can nourish our bodies.

What we do know about the new pharmacotherapies is that to be effective a patient may need to take them long term, and we are yet to see what effects the medication has on a patient's health over a long period of time. There are some concerns from professionals in the industry that any sudden restriction of food can lead to malnourishment, and I think it would be reasonable to suggest that access to accredited dietitians ought to be considered by anyone seeking to use weight loss drugs, to ensure that overall nutrient needs are met. Perhaps this could form part of a formal plan when seeking a prescription from a GP.

I was struck by a comment that Australian of the Year, Taryn Brumfitt, made during her address to the National Press Club a few weeks ago. When asked about her thoughts on weight loss drugs Taryn replied:

… it's doing us such a great disservice to talk about it … people who appreciate and feel good about their bodies are more likely to move their bodies, they're more likely to eat fruit and vegetables … they're less likely to drink, smoke, take illicit drugs, vape … The list of the reasons why we would want to get everyone in this country to embrace their bodies and feel good about their bodies is really long.

We know that physical inactivity is a major risk factor for chronic disease, and Tasmanians consistently outrank our mainland counterparts in the chronic disease statistics. According to a national health survey a few years ago, the typical Australian is a non-smoker and has never smoked, does 42 minutes of exercise every day, is overweight or obese and doesn't eat enough vegetables. In a wealthy country like Australia with a first-class health system stats like this and the fact that 50 per cent of Australians live with a chronic disease are startling.

I also think there's a privilege that's often not discuss when it comes to building healthy habits. We often overlook the availability, affordability and accessibility to nutritious food, green spaces, public transport, healthcare services and education and employment prospects. The further away you get from urban areas the more difficult this gets. Food insecurity is a major barrier to a healthy lifestyle. Research carried out in the UK in 2020 on more than 600 adults found that food insecurity was associated with a poorer diet and that greater distress and eating to cope were linked with a high BMI.

There's no magic answer or cure-all for obesity, but increasing accessibility to nutritious food, education on how to grow food and cook healthy basics, and availability of spaces or programs that encourage movement are a start. I love the idea—and it's one I have seen borne out in the northern Tasmanian region—of free community fitness classes and health programs, as done by Healthy Tasmania. I've mentioned the Healthy Tasmania team several times in health related speeches here in parliament, as I've seen firsthand how a small investment in their evidence based health programs works. I will always advocate for their place based programs to continue in my electorate.

Their multiaward-winning programs cover smoking cessation, physical inactivity, mental health, healthy eating and obesity and are delivered across multiple settings from the home to schools, tertiary education institutions, workplaces and community settings. To date their major program Active Launceston has delivered 249 community programs and engaged 13,826 attendees attending 38,370 sessions, amounting to an incredible 45,732.5 hours of physical activity.

I thank the member for Braddon for calling on the government to elevate obesity as a national health priority area. I think careful thought and planning need to be placed into significant education programs starting at an early age underpinned by investment in accessible community exercise and nutrition classes that could begin to move the dial on our nation's health statistics.

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