Australia’s obesity epidemic is accelerating at an alarming rate, with almost one million more people becoming obese in the past three years alone, a major report warns.

An estimated 900,000 Australians joined the obesity ranks since 2014-2015, national data shows. Almost one-third of adults are now obese and one-quarter of children are obese or overweight.

Jas, 17, with her mother Irena (in background). Jas was clinically obese at nine years old and was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome four years later. Credit:James Alcock.

Despite the focus on obesity and a series of strategies in the past decade, there was no lasting detailed action, according to a report released by the Collective for action on Obesity on Wednesday.

“As a result, Australia has gone backward at an alarming rate”, warned the alliance of more than 100 research, corporate and advocacy organisations.