Editorial: Obesity is next battle

New Zealand is the third fattest country in the world.

The Government is only too happy to laud its successes in cutting the country's smoking rates, so why not apply the same strategy to reduce obesity rates?

Tobacco's gradual demise in New Zealand has been achieved through tough policies. The need for this approach is supported by frightening statistics: Smoking kills nearly 5000 Kiwis each year and at least half of all regular cigarette smokers will die from their addiction.

Yearly tax increases are closing the window of access inch by inch as prices soar and this year's Census shows smoking rates have dropped to 15 per cent.

Kiwi kids learn about the perils from an early age and television advertisements show the devastating impact of addiction on families. Tobacco displays now have to be hidden from view and cigarettes could soon be sold in plain packets.

The statistics surrounding obesity are equally as frightening. According to a recent Ministry of Health report, poor nutrition and obesity combined account for 11 per cent of health loss - death and disability - in New Zealand. That is even greater than the loss attributable to tobacco.

Based on present rates of increase, obesity is predicted to overtake smoking as the leading risk factor for disease by 2016.

Our diets are generally too high in salt and saturated fat, and fruit and vegetable intakes are too low and, as a result, our obesity rate has more than doubled in the past 20 years. It now stands at 31 per cent of adults and 11 per cent of children. We're the third-fattest country in the OECD.

Why is more not being done?

There are signs the Government is toughening its stance. It is poised to confirm a healthy ratings system so shoppers will know which foods are healthiest, but Health Minister Tony Ryall has repeatedly made it clear that he will not support a tax on sugary drinks.

He argues it will make everyone pay in order to influence the behaviour of some. This is true. However, if such a tax was introduced, could that money be redistributed to subsidise healthy foods?

The Government has announced a new $40 million anti-obesity initiative, Health Families NZ and invests millions on programmes each year, but tougher - more meaningful - measures are needed.