The evolution of Health 2.0 in our data-driven world calls for a shift in the way health organisations connect with their target audiences. On a global scale, there is enormous potential to make an impact through digital technologies. However, it is necessary to understand who is saying what, and where the conversations – or lack thereof – are happening.

Today, GLOBALHealthPR, with their exclusive Australian partner, VIVA! Communications, are thrilled to release an infographic revealing the significant shortcomings of the childhood obesity conversation online, despite its global health impact.

Through a strategic social media listening program, GLOBALHealthPR digital strategists world-wide uncovered that while obesity rates of many nations are quite comparable, the bulk of conversation on childhood obesity still occurs in the U.S.

In one month, VIVA!’s digital strategists recorded only 102 Australian online conversations related to childhood obesity, compared to 12,745 in the U.S. and 1,723 in the UK/Great Britain.

Here’s just a taste (pun intended) of our insights:

• GLOBALHealthPR analysts were surprised to find that levels of conversation around prevention and treatment were also low, compared to less common diseases with few or no treatment options. . For instance, for every childhood obesity conversation online, there are 7,813 leukaemia online conversations world-wide, despite leukemia affecting fewer people per capita.
• Healthcare providers, policymakers, industry and advocacy groups have the opportunity to use this knowledge to increase targeted education and awareness of ways to combat obesity at a younger age

Why aren’t people talking about childhood obesity online? How do you plan to jump start this lacking conversation in Australia?

Check out the infographic below: