New Zealand Obesity Facts_

The World Health Organization has now labelled obesity an epidemic and New Zealand is not immune to its impact. 

The rates of obesity amongst New Zealanders continues to increase with the latest data indicating that at least 1 in 4 adults are obese, with a disproportionately greater rate amongst Maori (41.5%) and Pacific Islanders (63.7%).  In 1997 it was estimated that 3500 deaths were directly attributable to obesity and it is widely agreed that the current numbers must be much higher.  When other obesity related risk factors are added, such as hypertension, diabetes, low physical activity, and poor variety of diet then it is estimated that 60% of all deaths in New Zealand can be traced back to obesity.