Australian children's life expectancy at risk from obesity and poor health habits

Australian children could live shorter lives than their parents if health trends continue, warns Professor Melissa Wake. A major new study aims to tackle obesity, poor sleep, and inactivity—problems now affecting nearly one in three young Australians. The research, starting in 2027, will track 60,000 children over a decade. It will focus on diet, exercise, sleep, and heart health, with trials running at different stages of childhood. One experiment will test whether weight loss drugs for overweight parents can shift family habits.

Poor sleep and lack of activity are fuelling Australia’s child obesity crisis. Currently, 30% of children are overweight or obese—a figure expected to rise to 50% in the future. Experts warn that in every classroom, at least one child may already have high blood pressure, raising their risk of heart attacks by middle age. Health authorities suggest simple changes to improve sleep: bedtimes before 9pm, no caffeine, and keeping screens out of bedrooms. Schools could also introduce regular blood pressure checks to catch problems early.

Without intervention, today’s young Australians may face lives cut short by preventable illness. The upcoming study will test practical solutions, from family-based drug trials to school health checks. Its findings could shape policies to reverse the decline in children’s health.