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Obesity

'We're not doing this again.' Ozempic and the normalising of diet drugs are stirring concern

The story of diet drugs is one full of miracle cures that often don't live up to the hype or come with serious side effects.
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a tray of pills reflecting a woman's face

Study finds link between soft drinks and teen obesity

Researchers examined the drinking habits of half a million children in more than 100 countries.
Duration: 5 minutes 3 seconds

analysis:How the long shadow of drink giants pushes public health into the shade

In April, the nation's doctors called again for the introduction of a tax on sugar-sweetened drinks. They are not alone, but here's an insight into why it's still not happening, writes Linton Besser.
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A commercial fridge filled with Coca Cola and other soft drinks.

analysis:Should GPs bring up a patient's weight during appointments? We asked five experts

Australian of the Year Taryn Brumfitt has called for doctors to avoid raising the issue of weight in consultations about other matters. We asked the experts if they should — or not.
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A doctor using a stethoscope on a patient. 

'Self-regulation not working': New law seeks to regulate junk food advertising aimed at children

Junk food advertising aimed at children could be banned in a bid to tackle child obesity under a bill introduced to the federal parliament.
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A donut with pink icing, leaned up against another donut with two big mac burgers behind it.

Scientists say chronic stress may override the brain's junk food 'off switch'

Do you head to the vending machine as a work deadline approaches? A study in mice has found stress can create changes in the brain leading to unhealthy habits and weight gain.
Three iced donuts on a plate

Bluey creators release edited version of controversial episode labelled fat shaming

The makers of the hit TV show Bluey have removed a scene from a recent episode following criticism that it didn't promote body positivity for children.
Bandit, the dad dog, grabbing a flab of fat on his tummy in the bathroom.

Traditional Fijian diets key to improving health

Wilisoni Lagi Vuatalevu lost his leg to diabetes a decade ago. Now, there's a push to improve people's health in Fiji, with traditional home-grown foods helping lead the charge.
Duration: 6 minutes 28 seconds

Ever heard of lipoedema? Chances are, you know someone who has it

It's not a rare disease, but it's rarely spoken about. Often, we won't even know we're suffering from it. Here's why.
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Three women, visible from behind, are linking arms as they show people their bodies.

Xanthia's TikTok followers noticed something her doctors didn't. It changed everything

For years, these women say they've been dismissed and shamed for a painful disease they have little control over. Today, they're using their new-found knowledge to deliver a powerful message.
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Xanthia, wearing a dark blue one-piece, smiles confidently and touches her hair outdoors.

Xanthia Tiktok

A TikTok post from Xanthia shows her working out before specialised liposuction surgery for lipoedema.
ABC News Video
Duration: 41 seconds

Xanthia Tiktok post

A TikTok post from Xanthia shows the difference her treatments have made to her mobility and posture.
ABC News Video
Duration: 42 seconds

Brent lost his sister to a heart attack four years ago, so he's donning an apron to improve Pacific Island diets

From cooking tutorials to family-focused gyms, these Pacific Islanders are trying to curb the disproportionate rates of chronic disease in their communities. 
A young Pacific Island man with blonde hair wearing an island t shirt and a black apron

Anna-Rose had surgery and lost 60kgs — now she wants to eliminate stigma around obesity

Seven members of the same Queensland family have had obesity surgery, collectively shedding hundreds of kilograms in weight.
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Anna-Rose wearing glasses and sparkly makeup.

Multiple sclerosis is on the rise in Australia. Sun exposure could be one reason why

The number of people in Australia living with multiple sclerosis has grown by 30 per cent in recent years — and the rate at which that figure is growing is also accelerating.
A young white woman with long dark hair standing in a kitchen

'It's like The Hunger Games': Search to get scripts filled due to global shortage of diabetes drug

A global shortage of a diabetes drug has led to patients searching pharmacies to have their scripts filled. 
Headshot of Daniel Byrne.

Brendan Fraser, Oscar-nominated star of The Whale, says film can save people's lives

In Brendan Fraser's latest film, he plays Charlie, a man suffering from severe obesity. Despite polarising reviews, he says he's been told his Oscar-nominated role as Charlie will save lives.
Brendan Fraser

analysis:Do you hit a weight-loss plateau? Five steps to shed the last five kilos

Anyone who has tried to lose weight will be familiar with these nine frustrating words: the last five kilos are the hardest to lose. But there is a way to break through the weight-loss plateau, writes Nick Fuller.
Feet on a set of scales with a sticky note reading 'start diet today'.

analysis:I've indulged over the holidays. If I'm healthy the rest of the time, does it matter?

The holidays are often called the "silly season" — a time when we eat, drink and be merry. But these holiday indulgences can lead to guilt and fear that we've undone all the healthy habits from the rest of the year. How much should we worry?
A dining table decorated with Christmas baubles, a tree and holiday-themed napkins.

Semaglutide is causing a social media frenzy. So what is it?

It is not a a viral meme, but a drug that is an injectable medication — originally designed to treat diabetes — that has left those who need it waiting until next year for resupply.
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A close-up of a blue injector pen.

New research identifies some food products aimed at toddlers are failing WHO guidelines around sugar content

Out of more than 70 ready-made food products for toddlers, more than 75 per cent fail to meet the proposed guidelines for sugar set out by the World Health Organization (WHO), soon-to-be-published research for the Obesity Policy Coalition has found.
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A young child eats a piece of watermelon.

Why Queensland children could die younger than previous generations

A new report has found a "concerning" drop in life expectancy for Queensland children born over the next decade if obesity rates are not reduced.
A baby lays down on its back and a photo is taken of its feet.

It's one of the only forms of socially acceptable discrimination — and it's directly hurting our health

Evie has confronted a widespread and often unchallenged form of discrimination in Australia — weight stigma. And recent research says it's doing us harm.
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A woman has her hand on her hip, smiling and standing. She wears a coloufrul red and spotty dress.

Have you experienced weight stigma? Share your story with us

Have you felt shame or blame from health professionals because of your body size? Or are you working in the health system and have something to share? We want to hear from you.
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An illustration of a doctor sitting at a computer next to a patient who is living in a bigger body. They're talking.

Weight-loss patients warned prescriptions for popular drugs may not be filled

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler acknowledges a "very challenging" situation as diabetes patients are prioritised amid a global shortage of two popular drugs.
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A man in a blue shirt wearing a stethoscope around his neck