Background to Healthy Eating

The incidence of overweight and obesity in children and young people in Australia has increased dramatically in recent years, with 1 in 4 children overweight or obese.

This has serious long- and short-term health consequences. Excess weight gain in children is usually a result of eating too much food or the wrong type of food, combined with low energy expenditure – doing too little physical activity or being inactive for too much of the day.

Nutrition is particularly important in the childhood years, which are a time of rapid growth and development. Healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle assist children to develop and grow to their potential, thus contributing to optimal educational outcomes and a healthy adult life. Furthermore, nutrition during childhood is also important in preventing lifestyle diseases such as obesity, dental disease, Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension and, in later life, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and a range of cancers.

Find out more information about healthy food in school and important guidelines for children and adolescents daily eating habits.

• Why is Healthy Food in Schools Important?
• What are Australian Children Eating?
• Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in Australia
• The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating
• How Much do Children Need?

More information

For more information about healthy eating and physical activity, see: Victorian Government 'Go for your life'