Thousands of Victorians sign up to LiveLighter in first 4 weeks of campaign

24/09/2014

Over 5,000 Victorians have taken positive steps for their health by registering for the LiveLighter meal and activity planner in the month since the public health education campaign launched in Victoria.

The free meal and activity planner tool features a variety of delicious recipes that are easy to make and is designed so new healthy eating and exercise habits can become part of everyday life.

Head of Prevention at Cancer Council Victoria, Craig Sinclair says the figures show there’s a real appetite for practical tools and tips that help consumers plan a healthy lifestyle. This is important when we know that three in five Victorian adults are overweight or obese, increasing their risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer - along with a range of other health problems.

“The fact we are seeing thousands of Victorians getting involved so early in the campaign is fantastic.”

35 year old Marni Cousins from Bayswater North is one of the 5,007 Victorian adults who signed up for the meal and activity planner, which helps users develop healthy habits that can become part of their everyday life.

“I have been using the planner for six weeks now and I have lost three kilos so far. I find it easy to track what I am eating and the recipes are a big hit with the whole family.”

Heart Foundation Victoria CEO Diana Heggie said the number of registrations show how vital this campaign is for Victorians.

“Overweight and obesity is one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease in our community and carrying the extra kilos greatly increases your risk of chronic diseases,” Ms Heggie said.

“Making small changes to your lifestyle can make a big difference to your health, and the meal and activity planner allows people to do this by creating a free personalised healthy weight plan.”

Delivered by the Cancer Council Victoria, in partnership with the Heart Foundation, LiveLighter is funded by the State Government and is viewed as a critical element of Healthy Together Victoria. Healthy Together Victoria places good health at the centre of our daily lives by creating healthy environments where Victorians spend their time – in childcare centres, schools, workplaces, shops, food outlets and sporting clubs.

“It’s great to see so many Victorians taking steps to live healthier,” said Minister for Health David Davis.

“I congratulate those that have signed up and are making those small changes to their lifestyle and encourage others to do the same. It is by making and keeping up small changes to the way we eat and go about our daily lives that will have a big impact on our health and the health of our community,” said Minister Davis.

In addition to the impressive number of Victorians signing up to making healthy lifestyle changes, Mr Sinclair is also delighted with the groundswell of support for the campaign.

“LiveLighter has also been approached by a host of community and health organisations, as well as hospitals, wanting to sign up to be supporters of the campaign. To date over 50 organisations have pledged their support, including YMCA Victoria, which recently announced it would remove sugary drinks from its centres following the release of the state government’s Healthy Choices guidelines for sport and recreation centres, which provides guidelines around limiting sugar sweetened drinks in leisure centre kiosks and vending machines,” he said.

The LiveLighter campaign encourages Victorians to lead healthier lives by changing what they eat and drink, and being more active.

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Media contacts:
Cairin Conway, Senior Media & Communications Advisor
T: (03) 9514 6403 or 0406 524 562
cairin.conway@cancervic.org.au

Rebecca Cook
T: 0438 316 436 
rebecca.cook@cancervic.org.au

Sarah Terry
T: 0423 827 697
sarah.terry@heartfoundation.org.au