Clearly, the ads are designed to shock us into action.

For good reason, too. Bendigo has one of the highest obesity rates going around so the city needs a good reality check.

The question is will these ads work?

Sure they have shock value and the graphic images alone will get people thinking.

But it's the follow up education which will be vital to the success of such a campaign.

Now you've told people they're in trouble, how do you help them do something about it?

People need direction and plenty of examples of how life can change.

These type of ad campaigns work, no doubt.

The Grim Reaper campaign did much to raise awareness of AIDS.

The famous Transport Accident Commission campaign played a huge role in creating the good news that came out on Monday about Australia having the lowest road death rate in 70 years.

Smoking campaigns have had great impact.

But shock value will only last so long and it's important the state government continues to put plenty of time and effort into helping communities get better.