Tuesday December 4, 04:30 PM

Pacific the Capital of Obesity

According to the International Obesity Taskforce, never in the history of the human race have so many people been so fat - and the Pacific region takes the title as the world's capital of obesity. A report tabled at a Commonwealth health ministers meeting in New Zealand blames the trend on lack of exercise, and a move away from traditional diets to fatty western-style foods. Also a problem in the Pacific is the cultural notion that being big is a sign of wealth and power. Pacific island women take the cake - and obviously eat it too! 55 percent of Tongan women, 74 percent of Samoan women, and 77 percent of men and women in Nauru are considered obese.

New Zealand's multi-cultural society provides an opportunity to compare statistics. Across the board, 19 percent of women in NZ are obese - but 27 percent of Maori women and 47 percent of Pacific Island women in NZ fall into the obese category. Fattening societies around the world are placing huge burdens on health care systems, as well as on individual health. According to the Taskforce, the amount of hours spent watching TV has a direct effect on the obesity of children. The world needs to be more active. Some ideas being thrown up to reduce the obesity problem include making children walk or cycle to school, and limiting the size of portions served at fast-food restaurants. Increased taxes and health warnings on high-fat foods may even be necessary - just like on cigarette packets.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/011204/12/1jkk.html