Public support for obesity prevention policies in Western Australia from 2012 to 2020: Findings from cross-sectional surveys

Abstract

Issue addressed: This study explored trends in public support for obesity prevention policies in Western Australia (WA).

Methods: A series of cross-sectional surveys of a representative sample of WA adults aged 25-49 years (N = 11 534) were undertaken between 2012 and 2020 as part of an evaluation of the LiveLighter® mass media campaign, a component of a statewide healthy lifestyle education and promotion programme. Computer-assisted telephone interviews were used to gauge support for a range of obesity prevention initiatives that could be implemented by government.

Results: A majority of respondents supported a range of obesity prevention policies, including taxes on sugary drinks, urban planning regulations, food labelling and packaging regulations, restrictions on advertising and sponsorship, bans on the sale and marketing of unhealthy food and drink in retail environments and support for education and campaigns. Obesity prevention policies were highly supported by women, people with a healthy weight, and those who had completed secondary school. Support for regulation was high compared to other studies. Notably, there were significant increases in support between baseline and 2020 for 'taxing soft drinks and using the money to reduce the cost of healthy food' (72% cf. 80%) and 'restricting junk food promotions/advertisements on public transport' (73% cf. 83%).

Conclusions: There is substantial public support for regulatory action on obesity prevention in WA, providing strong rationale for government interventions to improve nutrition and reduce obesity. The LiveLighter® programme may have contributed to increases in support for obesity prevention policies in WA. SO WHAT?: There is potential to implement robust obesity prevention policies in WA.

Keywords: advocacy; attitudes; health promotion; nutrition; obesity; policy; public health.