Table 1 Major themes and strategies in public health weight programs

Child care

Good practice standards that incorporate physical activity guidelines and dietary guidelines for children

Schools

As above plus active transport to school and programs to reduce excessive TV watching and computer games

Primary care services

Support GPs to screen body mass index and implement lifestyle scripts

Community-based support programs for management of overweight

Family and community care services

As per childcare settings

Maternal and infant health

Extend healthy eating and active living programs; breastfeeding support programs; disseminate information resources for parents; 'baby friendly' accreditation for hospitals and health services;

Neighborhoods and community organisations

Healthy eating and active living initiatives within existing programs; support improved physical and infrastructure planning; develop good practice 'tools'

Workplaces

Support active transport programs; healthy eating and active living support for parents with young children

Food supply

Accreditation for food service outlets; cold chain management initiatives; encourage reduction of energy content and size of servings in food industry

Media and marketing

Monitor effectiveness of Children's Television Standards

B. NATIONAL ACTION

KEY STRATEGIES

Support for families and community-wide education

Social marketing; promotion of fruits and vegetables; national awards for settings-based programs

'Whole of Community' demonstration areas

Demonstration projects, with professional support unit and clearinghouse; dissemination and professional development strategy

Evidence and performance monitoring

Surveillance system and tracking indicators; policy research

Coordination and capacity-building

Leadership program for obesity prevention; support professional networks for dissemination of good practice