Investment in Childhood Obesity Prevention Could Save $7 Billion

A University of Sydney study shows overweight children cost $19,700 more than healthy-weight children, while obese children cost up to $46,700.

A new government-funded program aimed at tackling the ever-growing problem of childhood obesity will put the focus on changing the parent’s behaviour rather than that of the child. Tim Boyle/Getty Images

Researchers argue that reducing childhood and adolescent obesity could yield lifetime savings of over $7 billion, yet they argue that policymakers are prioritising short-term solutions over long-term strategies.

Currently, one in four children and teenagers in Australia are classified as overweight or obese.