THE ACT has been named the best obesity-fighting jurisdiction in Australia by the Australian New Zealand Obesity Society (ANZOS).

At an awards ceremony held in Melbourne last night, ACT came first across all national rankings, taking out the gold medal award for obesity prevention – reflecting the proactive approach the government is taking across all portfolios to encourage better physical health.

“It is a great honour to have been recognised by ANZOS for our actions to reduce obesity and overweight and the whole of government approach we are taking to this area of public policy,” Chief Minister Katy Gallagher said.

“Despite Canberrans being amongst the healthiest in Australia, the government is addressing the pressure obesity is putting on our collective health and on our health system.”

On Monday the ACT government released a ‘Towards Zero Growth’ action plan which targets people in our community looking for a healthy weight program and make healthy lifestyle choices easier.

“This action plan is the product of more than a year of consultation across the ACT Government, non- government and academic communities. It is a plan that will continue to need strong support and public advocacy to implement some of the harder actions, which are specifically designed to challenge the factors which have driven obesity rates so high,” said Ms Gallagher.

Established in 1991, ANZOS is made up of medical practitioners, dieticians, scientists and other experts in obesity research and treatments.