Queenslanders are being encouraged to 'dump the junk' and breakup with unhealthy food relationships with Queensland Health's 'End your unhealthy relationships' campaign returning to market.
Executive Director, Preventive Health Branch, Mark West said the purpose of the 'End your unhealthy relationships' campaign is to encourage Queenslanders to end an unhealthy relationship they have with food.
"We know the rates of self-reported overweight and obesity have been tracking upwards in Queensland for more than a decade," Mr West said.
"Currently, when measured, 66 per cent of Queensland adults are overweight or obese and about 33 per cent of those don't even realise it.
"A further 23 per cent are at risk of becoming overweight or obese if they do not change their current unhealthy behaviours.
"We want Queenslanders to know they can start making positive changes to their eating habits that are as easy as ditching the soft drink."
Mr West said an overweight or obese status puts those people at risk of chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.
"It also puts pressure on the individual's health, the health system and the Queensland economy."
"That is why this campaign is so important, to help educate and encourage Queenslanders to take ownership of their health and make steps towards becoming healthier.
"To achieve and maintain a healthy weight, Queenslanders should eat a wide variety of nutritious foods, drink plenty of water, be physically active every day, and limit their intake of food and drink high in saturated fat and those containing added sugar and salt."
Executive Director, Strategic Communications Branch, Robert Hoge said the 'End your unhealthy relationships' campaign is part of a broader strategy to support Queenslanders to make healthier lifestyle choices.
"Queenslanders want useful health advice from sources they know and trust," Mr Hoge said.
"Two years ago, the first campaign had a positive impact because it was relatable content from a trusted source.
"We're looking to build on that this year."
"Our research indicated that after seeing the campaign, 60 per cent of the target audience had or intended to participate in more physical activity and 57 per cent of the target audience had or intended to increase the amount of fruit and vegetables they eat."
