Australia should leverage its successful strategies in reducing smoking rates to combat the obesity epidemic by implementing clearer labels on unhealthy foods, conducting workplace health checks, and accelerating the development of essential medications, according to Mike Doustdar, president of Novo Nordisk. The pharmaceutical company is known for creating the weight-loss drug Ozempic.
Doustdar highlighted that the 13 million Australians who are overweight or obese are diminishing the nation’s productivity and placing additional pressure on the healthcare system. Speaking at the National Press Club on Monday, he emphasized that Australia is uniquely positioned to address this issue through a comprehensive public health response.
Learning from Tobacco Control
Australia was the first country to introduce plain packaging for cigarettes, a move that significantly reduced smoking rates and set a precedent followed by many other nations. Doustdar believes that Australia can similarly lead the world in addressing high obesity rates.
“If we intervene early today, before patterns are entrenched and before disease takes hold, we can improve health for the next generation,” he stated, underscoring the importance of early intervention.
Proposals for Change
Doustdar called for quicker listing of drugs on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, which would make them more affordable for Australians. He also suggested that the government could enhance education about healthy eating in school curricula. Furthermore, he recommended that businesses provide workplace health checks and promote healthy food and activity options for employees.
He criticized the current state of food labeling, noting, “I have lived in countries where there is a lot of food nutrition things written on the package but frankly speaking, I need to get binoculars to be able to read it. So the question is: is that being written there to obey a law, or is it genuinely being written there to change behaviour?”
Taxation and Behavioral Change
When asked about the Australian Medical Association’s proposal to tax sugary drinks, Doustdar acknowledged that such a measure could be part of the solution but would not be sufficient on its own. He referenced Denmark’s short-lived tax on saturated fat in 2011 as an example of a measure that did not achieve its intended goals.
“I think it will help to some extent, but probably not on its own,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive strategies.
“Australia’s efforts to slash smoking rates by introducing packaging showing graphic images of tobacco-induced cancers were a far more effective way to change people’s behaviours than simply slapping taxes on them.”
Looking Forward
The move to address obesity in Australia represents a significant opportunity to improve public health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. By drawing on its experience with tobacco control, Australia could implement world-leading measures to combat obesity.
Experts suggest that a combination of clear labeling, education, and accessible medications could drive significant changes in public health. As Australia considers these proposals, the nation may once again set a global standard for addressing a major public health issue.
The implications of these changes could be far-reaching, potentially influencing international policy and encouraging other countries to adopt similar measures. As the conversation around obesity continues, Australia’s response may serve as a blueprint for future public health initiatives worldwide.
