The NSW government will pay for lap banding operations for morbidly obese people in an attempt to tackle the obesity epidemic.
It is part of the state government's $36 million obesity package which includes an extensive marketing campaign as well as a support line for people trying to lose weight.
The NSW Get Healthy Advice line has been set up to provide advice and support for people who want to get fit and enjoy a better lifestyle.
It is part of the state government's $36 million obesity package, which includes weight-loss surgery for morbidly obese people, as well as an extensive marketing campaign promoting healthy eating and exercise.
NSW Health Minister Reba Meagher the advice line would provide individually tailored conselling, including a free coaching program and follow-up calls.
"There is no doubt that behavioural change can be very difficult and this advice line means people won't have to do it on their own," Ms Meagher said in a statement today.
"It's based on the very successful Quitline which has helped thousands of smokers quit the habit and start leading healthier lives."
The $36 million package would establish an obesity prevention research centre as well as a parenting program to help turnaround the obesity epidemic, which costs NSW around $7 billion a year.