I spoke to some health department representatives recently regarding the Australian Government’s Measure Up Campaign designed to reduce soaring obesity levels.  My initial impressions were positive. I was pleased that they were encouraging people to measure their waistline as opposed to the common mistake of using the scales to monitor your progress.

My call initially was to find out how I could support promoting such a campaign but after closer inspection I was concerned about some of the their recommendations to lose weight. Most notably was the advice to include 30 minutes of walking a day as exercise. I mentioned this to the health department representatives. I shared with them how many studies are showing that walking did not have any significant benefit to weight loss. Sadly the response was not one of curiosity but was a typical case of stonewalling that Government bureaucrats have longed been criticised for.

“We are aware of the research showing that walking isn’t of any benefit but this (30 minutes of walking each day) is the Government’s current recommendations for exercise,” she stated.

“But isn’t the aim of this campaign to help reduce the rising rates of obesity?” I asked.

“Most certainly,” came the reply.

“So how are you going to let the public know that they need to exercise differently than the current recommendations suggest in order to effectively lose weight?” I continued.

“We are unable to share any information that goes against the current Government recommendations for exercise…”

“…Even though the recommendations are proven to be ineffective,” I interrupted. “So what you are telling me is that the real purpose of this Measure Up campaign is not to help produce any tangible reduction in obesity rates but it is designed to be seen like you are doing something about obesity rates.”

There was silence on the other end of the phone. “No wonder people get cynical of Governments.”