Extra $129,000 to help young Queenslanders develop a healthy body image
The Bligh Government is delivering a $129,000 funding boost to help young Queenslanders develop a healthy body image.
(Media-Newswire.com) - The Bligh Government is delivering a $129,000 funding boost to help young Queenslanders develop a healthy body image.
Disability Services Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said the extra funds would target the growing number of young Queenslanders facing body image and self-esteem issues.
“There is no doubt society puts a lot of pressure on young people to look a certain way – it is essential that they are supported and educated about what is healthy,” she said.
“We want to ensure that young people develop a positive body image.”
Ms Palaszczuk said statistics showed body image was a serious issue for young Queenslanders.
“According to the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health 72 per cent of young women aged between 18 and 22 years want to weigh less,” she said.
“Only 25 per cent of those in the healthy weight range are happy with their current weight.
“The 2005 National Health Survey reported 9 per cent of females aged 18 to 24 years were classified as underweight.
“These figures show that body image is a serious issue for young Queensland women.
“Images of rake-thin, air-brushed models do nothing to help young people chart the often difficult journey through adolescence.
“We want Queensland women to enter adulthood confident and determined to achieve their best – not be held back by concerns about how they look.”
Ms Palaszczuk said the Eating Disorders Association would receive $100,000 ( $50,000 each from the Department of Communities and Queensland Health ) to undertake a research to reach out to families and young people affected by an eating disorder and provide them with information and support about services available.
“The research will also investigate how to deal with young people and body image, how to promote healthy eating and how to deal with self esteem issues experienced by young people with eating disorders,’’ she said.
In addition to this, the Department of Communities provides the organisation with recurrent funding of $223,000 each year.
“ISIS: The Eating Issues Centre will receive $29,000 to offer a series of workshops aimed at school children and community groups promoting healthy eating, body image and self-esteem,’’ Ms Palaszczuk said.
“We want to act early to prevent hospital admissions.
“All the research points to the fact that early intervention is essential when it comes to ensuring young women develop a healthy body image.”
Minister’soffice 3237 1944
Published by:
Release Date
This story was released on 2010-08-31. Please make sure to visit the official company or organization web site to learn more about the original release date. See our disclaimer for additional information.
