Childhood Obesity Continues to Rise Across Australia, New Report Finds
24 Jun 2026
According to the latest Overweight and Obesity Report, 27% of Australian children were living with overweight or obesity in 2022–24, up from 20% in 1995 and 25% in 2017–18.
Health experts warn that obesity is developing earlier in life, increasing the risk of serious health conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease at younger ages.
The report also found that overweight and obesity became Australia's leading risk factor for ill health and death in 2024, surpassing tobacco use. It was associated with an estimated 19,000 deaths, accounting for around 10% of all deaths during the year.
While overall adult obesity rates remained stable at 67% between 2017–18 and 2022–24, abdominal obesity increased significantly from 41% to 48%. Experts say excess weight around the waist is particularly concerning because it is strongly linked to metabolic and cardiovascular complications.
Terri-Lynne South said environmental factors, family influences, and lifestyle changes are contributing to rising obesity rates, particularly among children.
She also highlighted the importance of regular health checks for children beyond early childhood immunisation visits, suggesting annual assessments focused on growth, nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and overall wellbeing.
Experts believe GPs have an important role in both prevention and early intervention by supporting healthy family habits, identifying risk factors early, and helping families make sustainable lifestyle changes.
A family-based approach to health and weight management is considered particularly effective, as parents and caregivers often have a major influence on food choices, physical activity, and overall household health behaviours.
Childhood Obesity Continues to Rise Across Australia, New Report Finds
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) Overweight and Obesity Report, 2026