Australian of the Year and eye surgeon Dr James Muecke has accused retailers and confectionary makers of "preying on addiction", calling for government action to tackle the nation's growing obesity problem.

"You can't walk into a servo or walk through the supermarket checkout without seeing two-for-one chocolates," Dr Muecke told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

"The government can and should address how it is so readily accessible."

Australian of the Year Dr James Muecke wants action on obesity. Credit:AAP

Dr Muecke, who treats patients with diabetes-related vision loss and sparked headlines when he declared his support for a sugar tax during his Australian of the Year acceptance speech, said the measure was just part of the "multi-pronged approach" needed to tackle the obesity crisis.