2 October 2008
Monash University has launched an academic taskforce to fight the obesity epidemic gripping Australia.
The Monash University funded Obesity Initiative brings together academic groups from a wide range of disciplines including education, biomedical sciences, marketing, clinical health, bariatric surgery and psychology.
Initiative chair, Professor Brian Oldfield said a multi-faceted approach to the obesity epidemic had not been attempted to such an extent anywhere else in Australia and possibly, the world.
"Until now, academics, researchers and interested organisations operated in isolation in addressing the obesity issue. Our hope is that the Obesity Initiative will encourage a central communications point and provide educators and stakeholders with a common resource for obesity-related information and research support," Professor Oldfield said.
"The impetus for developing the Initiative is that obesity, its understanding, prevention and treatment requires a concerted and coordinated effort across all of these disciplines to a greater extent than any other disorder.
"Our aim is to bring together the international expertise available at Monash and to try to work through the big-picture aspects of this crisis facing modern society," Professor Oldfield said.
The Initiative will be modelled after the successful development of the initiative Andrology Australia by Professor David de Kretser. Andrology Australia has evolved to become a leading provider of information and research development on men’s health issues.
Professor Oldfield said the Monash project will provide education and information to government bodies, health organisations, the weight-loss industry, schools and individuals.
Among the aims of the project are:
- Identification of those most at risk of obesity in both childhood and adult populations
- Identification of the root causes of obesity
- Evaluation of community based and medical/hospital initiatives
- Development and exploration of medical, surgical and drug solutions
"The Initiative has the strong support of the University and through this endorsement we will expand from our Melbourne base to encompass all of Victoria and Australia, drawing together organisations with an interest in seeking and cementing solutions, Professor Oldfield said.
For more information contact Samantha Blair, Media and Communications +61 3 9903 4841 or 0439 013 951.
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