Weight Issues Network 2020 Report

It was in 2019 that we first shared our involvement with Weight Issues Network (WIN), an Australian network created to “provide a strong voice and support for people living with and affected by obesity”. WIN actively seeks participation in their surveys from people affected by obesity, and then share their findings with the public. All of this information comes from members and volunteers who choose to participate. 

We have reached out via our blogs, newsletters and social media to encourage those that follow us to participate and join WIN, as we believe the work they are doing is making a difference. WIN recently released their 2020 Report – The Personal Costs of Weight Issues in Australia. 

This important report highlights the perspectives of those who are living with the challenges of overweight and obesity. Obesity is much more complex than “eat less and move more” or a simple matter of lifestyle choices. This report is designed to help raise awareness of not only the complexities of obesity but challenges around weight stigma, the impact of the environment and navigating the Australian health system. 

Summary of WIN Report Recommendations

• Weight stigma needs to stop. The lived experience and perspectives of those living with overweight or obesity to be included in the development of plans and strategies, the design of treatment paths and research, and debates on weight issues in a person-centred approach.
• Improve clarity and reduce barriers to better health. Making obesity training mandatory in areas such as health and social care service education. Making effective, evidence-based treatment options affordable and accessible across Australia.
• More supportive environments in society. Government making healthy food cheaper and easier to access, particularly in low income and remote areas. Investing in green spaces, education and a regulation in terms of ‘junk food’ marketing, particularly to children and younger people.

In the coming months we will explain each of these areas in more detail in a series of blogs, but in the meantime if you would like to read or download the full report you can here.