The inFocus Healthy Communities report released (24-10-2013) by the National Health Performance Authority demonstrates large variations in overweight and obesity prevalence in different communities around Australia. In NSW three-fold differences in obesity rates were observed between the most and least disadvantaged communities.

Overweight and obesity rates across Australia 2011 – 2012 – REPORT ISSUED BY  NATIONAL HEALTH PERFORMANCE AUTHORITY {jd_file file==61} It is critical that governments and communities respond to this call for action.

For a series of responses from Australia’s NGOs and leaders see the following: (Downloadable from our media centre CLICK HERE)

• Obesity and smoking hotspots revealed in new report - MEDIA RELEASE ISSUED BY  NATIONAL HEALTH PERFORMANCE AUTHORITY
• Medicare Local obesity data no surprise given the diabetes epidemic - MEDIA RELEASE ISSUED BY DIABETES AUSTRALIA
• Obesity: let's end the pretence and look to local primary care- MEDIA RELEASE ISSUED BY CONSUMERS HEALTH FORUM OF AUSTRALIA
• New report - more work needed on tobacco and obesity - MEDIA RELEASE ISSUED BY  PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
• Federal govt must commit to action plan on obesity prevention - MEDIA RELEASE ISSUED BY  THE OBESITY POLICY COALITION
• Time for Queensland to step up fight against obesity - MEDIA RELEASE ISSUED BY  HEALTH MINISTER LAWRENCE SPRINGBORG
• Local action on smoking rates and obesity levels vital - MEDIA RELEASE ISSUED BY  THE AUSTRALIAN MEDICARE LOCAL ALLIANCE
• New data shows it's time to step up efforts on prevention - MEDIA RELEASE ISSUED BY CANCER COUNCIL VICTORIA