Although there are not specific numbers for the Bega Valley, those of the Greater Southern Area Health Service (GSAHS), which includes the Bega Valley, show that we are definitely getting fatter and at a greater rate than the average population in NSW.

In 1997 the GSAHS figure was 47.2 per cent (NSW 21.8) for those overweight and obese, 16 years and over, and in 2007 it was 56.7 per cent (NSW 51.7).

In the 55-64 age category, the GSAHS statistics show 70.3 per cent were obese or overweight, and in the 35-44 age group, it was 65 per cent.

The lowest figure in the age groups for obesity and being overweight were 30.1 per cent for 16-24 year olds.

Males were more overweight than females, with the GSAHS figure for 16 and over 62.1 per cent for males and 51.8 per cent for females.

The GSAHS health development program co-ordinator (nutrition), Christine May, said these figures alerted the NSW Department of Health to start a number of programs.

Although the overweight and obese statistics were for people over 16 years of age the department decided to target families and children for its anti-obesity programs.

Ms May said that it was very difficult to change the eating and exercising habits of adults so it was agreed to concentrate on the young.

A school canteen program was already in existence, Fresh Tastes @ School, which banned deep-fried food and confectionary.

Under Fresh Tastes, foods and drinks are colour coded red, amber and green.

The red foods had little nutritional value and excess levels of kilojoules, sugar and salt and are not allowed to be sold on more than two occasions per term.

Amber foods have to be selected carefully and have some nutritional value and moderate levels of saturated fat, sugar and salt while green foods are good sources of nutrients.

These include fresh fruit and vegetables, cereals, low fat milk etc.

Although all public schools, primary and secondary, have to conform to the Fresh Tastes @ School guidelines, private schools are also using the program.

Mothers of babies are being targeted in a program which will soon be publicised by GSAHS to encourage breastfeeding.

Under this program councils, cafes and retailers will be encouraged to provide places where women can breastfeed.

The pre-schoolers’ program is called Munch and Move and GSAH is funding training for pre-school teachers and parents to implement Munch and Move, which as it suggests combines healthy exercise with healthy eating.

Munch and Move is also used by long day care centres.

Ms Martine Mathieson, health development officer with the Bega Valley Community Health Service, in April trained the supervisors of the Bega, Eden and Merimbula Bega Valley Shire Out of School Care Centres in the Eat Smart, Play Smart program.

The centres cater to children from five years to 13.

The Live Life Well at School, a primary school program is being piloted around NSW, but not in the Valley.

If the pilots are successful it will probably be introduced to the Valley in 2009.

Although adults have been bypassed in most of the Department of Health’s anti-obesity programs, except through their children, there is one program in the Valley aimed at those who want exercise safely and gently and this is through Tai-Chi classes which are held in most centres.

Ms Christine May said that, apart from the Tai-Chi, it appears little was being done for overweight adults, there was a constant message through the media that healthy fresh food was the best choice and that pre-packaged foods and takeaways should be avoided.