Australian Medical Association (AMA)Position Statement on Obesity

The AMA has  produced a position statement on obesity. It outlines the scope of the problem and the need for a whole of society aproach ( government and non government organisations, health and food industries, media, employers, schools and community organisations) to combat it. Physical activity and  nutritional measures, targeted interventions, community based programs, research and monitoring, and treatment and management  are needed.

The importance of preventing obesity in young children and adolescents is noted. Point 7 of the statement says "The major focus and effort in preventing obesity should be on children and adolescents. Prevention and early intervention should start with the pregnant mother and foetus, and continue throughout infancy and childhood."

Some of the  nutritional measures suggested  to combat obesity include - breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a baby's life; school nutrition programs so children learn to make healthy food choices; prohibiting the marketing and advertising of nutrient poor foods to children; a front of pack, easy to understand nutritional labelling scheme; higher taxes on foods known to contribute to obesity; urban planning measures so new communities have access to local supplies of fruit and vegetables.

In the area of treatment and management the AMA states medical practitioners have a role to play in prevention and treatement. It considers bariatric surgery an effective treatement ( but not for chidlren and adolescents) for those who have failed to lose weight by other means and who have various life threatening problems. It considers pharmacological treatments to have only a limited role.

Reference.  AMA Position Statement on Obesity - 2008. www.ama.com.au/web.nsf/doc/WEEN-7E986Z