Australia Unveils Anti-Obesity Ad Campaign Urging Small But Healthy Lifestyle Changes

The Australian government has launched a nationwide ad campaign calling on consumers to make easy, small, healthy lifestyle changes to help cut the risk of illness and disease. The “Swap it don’t stop it” campaign targets the obesity epidemic that in Australia alone cost the country $58.2 billion in 2008 – “a huge drain on the economy,” according to Nicola Roxon, Minister for Health and Aging. The TV, radio and print advertising campaign features Eric, a likeable, overweight animated balloon character who urges Australians to make simple lifestyle changes to become healthier: swapping big portions for small, frequent treats for occasional, fried food for fresh, and sitting for moving.