Hopefully, the inquiry by the NSW Parliament Upper House will increase awareness in our communities of the extent of the problem and spur on the government into mounting some serious campaigns to reduce it.

Key to any success will be greater education of the public on the initial health threats from overweight and obesity and the danger that it can lead to a long list of chronic diseases.

Western NSW tops the list for the worst rate of overweight and obesity among regions – studies showed 79% of adults had the problem in 2012.

In 2014, 30.4 per cent of high school children in the Western and Far West health districts were identified with the condition. The percentage was higher than all other regions.

Our region is at the top of lists for heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other illnesses.

Overweight and obesity is a ticking time bomb for the health of residents. If it is not reduced it will place greater strain on our health services in the future.

As with any illness, prevention is better than cure. People can avoid risks by eating healthier and exercising. That does not mean a massive change to lifestyles. Even simple measures like going for a daily walk and avoiding fatty and sugar-filled junk food can help.

An example was set by two small towns in the region where residents lost weight and exercised to win a health services contest. Lifestyle attitudes changed. 

Adults need to think about the examples they set for the young. They need to teach their children to live healthily.

With more than one in five NSW children overweight, tackling the problem is one of Premier Mike Baird’s 12 key priorities for the state.

The inquiry will invite under-18 teenagers, parents, sporting clubs, parents and health professionals to provide input.

It aims to find ways to help parents and carers make healthier choices and co-ordinate government agencies and the private sector to beat the battle of the bulge.

The chair of the inquiry Mrs Bronnie Taylor has called on the community to get involved. All adults should get on board in the interests of their children and themselves.