NSW: New "Quitline" to help tackle obesity

AAP General News (Australia)
08-04-2008
NSW: New "Quitline" to help tackle obesity

SYDNEY, Aug 4 AAP - Just like the Quitline helped thousands stop smoking, the NSW government
is hoping a new "get healthy" line will tackle the obesity epidemic.

The NSW Get Healthy Advice Line has been set up to help people who want to get fit
and enjoy a better lifestyle.

It is part of the state government's $36 million obesity package, which includes a
statewide marketing campaign to promote the importance of exercise and healthy eating.

The package also includes weight-loss surgery for morbidly obese people, a measure
the government announced over the weekend.

NSW Health Minister Reba Meagher said people could use the advice line to sign up for
a free coaching program with follow-up calls and individually tailored counselling.

"There is no doubt that behavioural change can be very difficult and this advice line
means people won't have to do it on their own," Ms Meagher said in a statement today.

"It's based on the very successful Quitline which has helped thousands of smokers quit
the habit and start leading healthier lives."

The government will also establish an obesity prevention research centre and a parenting
program to give support to people with overweight and obese children.

Ms Meagher said the surgery for the morbidly obese would only be a "last resort option".

She said the $36 million package, hopefully, would turnaround the obesity epidemic
which costs NSW about $7 billion a year.

AAP nr/evt/jt/cdh

KEYWORD: OBESITY

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