Given the high costs of obesity on the health system, today’s new Australian Health Survey data for 2011-12 from the ABS should be concerning to the Queensland Government, with Queensland leading Australia in obesity (a Body Mass Index of 30 or more) (see chart below). Of course, it’s not just a Queensland problem, with high and increasing obesity rates across Australia. Unfortunately, our sprawling cities mean people get far too little exercise, with very few people walking or cycling to the shops, work or school. Once Government budgets recover, it would be wise for Government health agencies to amplify their public information campaigns on healthy living and to investigate the potential for a junk food tax.