Obese Australians will get cash to slim down
September 13, 2005

The Australian government is making an effort to subsidize weight loss programs as a first step to tackle obesity problem in the country. The fat fighting scheme allows patients to claim the cost of weight loss plan through their Medicare program. The Australian government aims to achieve major diet and behavioral changes in people's lifestyle as a result of a 12 week federal government sponsored programs on obesity epidemic.

Australia has the second highest obesity rates in the world. Even though Australia is well known for its outdoor lifestyle, extreme sports and life, a study reports that more than 7 million Australians are obese or overweight. The government spends a$1.5 billion a year to treat obesity related diseases. The country's health minister Tony Abbott is looking into the plan which would cost a$50 million a year.

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