Make healthier choices with the Health Star Rating system

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) is encouraging shoppers to use the Australian Government’s Health Star Rating system to help choose healthier food for themselves and their families.

The Health Star Rating system provides an easy way to compare similar packaged products and choose healthier options.

Chronic disease and diet-related conditions are becoming increasingly common in the Australian population, with more than two-thirds of adults and one in four children overweight or obese.

MPHN Senior Manager Primary Care Engagement Andrew Heap said it’s a trend that’s reflected in our local community.

“We have more incidence of obesity compared to both the state and national average, and more young people who are obese than the state and national average,” Mr Heap said.

“Being overweight or obese increases your risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes among many other conditions.

“It’s a major health issue, but it’s largely preventable. A lot of the weight issues we’re seeing can be attributed to the type of food and the amount we’re eating, along with inactivity.”

The Health Star Rating system rates the overall nutritional value of similar foods on a scale from half a star to five stars. The more stars, the healthier the product.

The system uses a strict calculation to determine the rating for each food product based on its ingredients. The calculation for ratings has recently been strengthened so that food with higher amounts of salt and total sugars receive lower ratings, while fruit and vegetables (including some canned and frozen produce) automatically score five stars, the highest rating.

To make healthier food choices easier, the system helps shoppers compare similar packaged products at a glance, such as two cereals, rather than comparing yogurt to cereal.

“Paying attention to the number of health stars on items you’re purchasing will help you choose or swap to healthier options and make it easier to reach and maintain a healthier weight,” Mr Heap said.

“Being a healthy weight not only reduces your risk of ill-health, it also provides better quality of life; you’ll feel better and have more energy.”

For more information about the Health Star Rating System, visit healthstarrating.gov.au