Poor Diet causes most preventable chronic diseases

Poor diet became the leading cause of preventable chronic disease in Australia, surpassing smoking. Despite spending an average of $243 weekly on groceries, most Australians failed to meet basic dietary guidelines. Around 40% of grocery spending went to discretionary items like biscuits, cakes and chips.

Many households struggled with the rising cost of fresh ingredients, leading some to reduce portion sizes or skip meals. Dietitians demonstrated affordable meal plans that aligned with national guidelines and saved families money. Health experts called for stronger policies, including a sugary drinks levy, to make healthy food more accessible and affordable.