Can you believe it's March already? How time flies! 

In this edition of LiveLighter for Professionals (like our new name?) we'll look at what's been happening in obesity prevention - from calls for a sugary drinks tax to the introduction of kJ menu labelling, plus a sneak peek of what's on at the World Public Health Congress in Melbourne this week.

We've also got an opportunity for the dietitian and nutrition experts out there to take part in new research. 

Read on to find out more!

- From the team at LiveLighter

Ten of Australia’s leading health and community organisations have joined forces to call on the Federal Government to introduce a health levy on sugary drinks as part of a comprehensive approach to tackling the nation’s obesity problem.

The 10 groups – partners of the Rethink Sugary Drink campaign – have signed a joint position statement calling for the health levy, which can raise funds for public education campaigns and initiatives to prevent chronic disease and address childhood obesity. Learn more in the media release and position statement.

The World Congress on Public Health is being held in Melbourne this week and we've been busy getting ready to present.

Even if you're not attending, you can still follow the conversation via the @Live_Lighter and @WCPH2017 Twitter accounts and with the hashtag #WCPH2017.

At 11am on Tuesday, our Vic Campaign Manager Alison McAleese will take part in a discussion on forming partnerships to tackle sugary drink consumption.

Then at 4pm our WA Campaign Director Maria Szybiak will speak about using evidence-based social marketing campaigns in public health at a panel discussion.

For more info, visit the Congress website.

Cancer Council Victoria is looking for dietitians and nutritionists to take part in research into perceptions of the nutritional value of popular foods and drinks.

If you’re a dietitian or nutritionist, we would greatly appreciate 10 minutes of your time to complete this survey.

All responses will remain confidential and will be deidentified in any reports.

Feel free to share the survey link with others who work in this space!

After years of lobbying by health groups, Victoria and QLD have seen progress on the introduction of kilojoule menu labelling in fast food outlets.

LiveLighter joined other health organisations in welcoming the Vic Government's move to make kilojoule labelling on fast food menus mandatory from next year.

While in QLD, the mandatory regulations came into play on March 25. 

This is a fantastic move for tackling overweight and obesity in both states, as displaying kilojoules on menus, when combined with an education campaign, has been shown to result in people choosing meals with 15 per cent fewer kilojoules.