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Locating fast-food outlets near schools is a potential public health risk to schoolchildren, given the easy access and repeated exposure to energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods they provide. Fast-food outlet availability near schools has not been previously investigated in Perth, Western Australia. This study aimed to quantify fast-food outlet availability near Perth schools and determine whether differences in area-level disadvantage and school type exist.

The 'Raising Healthy Kids (RHK) health target ' recommended that children identified as having obesity [body mass index (BMI) >/=98th centile] through growth screening at the B4 School Check (B4SC) be offered referral for subsequent assessment and intervention.

Energy drinks (ED) are popular among young people despite evidence of associated health risks. Research into the prevalence and pattern of ED intake among young people is sparse. The present study investigates the prevalence and pattern of ED intake among a large sample of adolescents, including how many consume them, how often, for what reasons and in what contexts.

Child obesity is a serious public health challenge affected by both individual choice and societal and environmental factors. The main modifiable risk factors for child obesity are unhealthy eating and low levels of physical activity, both influenced by aspects of the built environment. 

Physical constraints of small apartment kitchens and the influence of the surrounding community food environment may impact food practices of apartment residents. Social media portrayal of these features may influence public perception of apartment living.

The ecology of the early environment - including microbial diversity, nutrition, nature, social interactions and the totality of exposures in the wider "exposome" - have life-long implications for all aspects of health and resilience. In particular, the emergence of "microbiome science" provides new evidence for vital relationships between biodiversity and health at every level.

Hayley Christian BSc (1st Class Hons), PhD (Distinction) W.Aust. Head, Child Physical Activity, Health and Development; Ascend Senior Research Fellow

David Bloom is a Professor of Economics and Demography at Harvard Chan School of Public Health, Global Health and Population and a Principal Investigator for our JDRF Global Centre of Excellence

The Kids Research Institute Australia welcomes the passing of the Western Australian Future Fund Amendment (Future Health Research and Innovation Fund) Bill in State Parliament today to support health and medical research and innovation in WA.

The Kids Research Institute Australia has welcomed the Federal Government's commitment to legislate the Medical Research Future Fund