The Queensland Government has announced plans to force fast food outlets to display the energy content of meals and drinks on their menus.

Heart Foundation figures show four million Australians buy meals at fast food shops every day.

The legislation to be introduced next year is designed to make it easier for customers to make healthy meal choices.

New South Wales and the ACT already have similar laws.

Queensland Health Minister Geoff Wilson says although some traders already provide nutrition information, he wants to see more.

"The new laws will mean that right across the state the major fast food chains will be required to provide more information about the energy content of their standard food items," he said.

"That'll mean that consumers get a win because they'll get more information."

Mr Wilson says it is hoped the move help reduce the rate of obesity.

"Obesity is reaching epidemic proportions in Queensland and Australia. One in three adults in Queensland is overweight at the moment and one in five is obese," he said.

"By 2020 it'll be much worse and we want to make sure people are provided with as much information as possible to make the right choices to improve their health."