Editorial: Threat calls for action

So appalling are the statistics that there is no doubt diabetes is becoming a major health issue.

Yesterday, we reported more than 16 people a week are diagnosed with diabetes in the Tauranga and Whakatane area, and the figure was projected to become much worse in years to come.

Ministry of Health figures show 11,130 people were diagnosed with diabetes as of December 2012. The figure was up 8.2 per cent on the 10,281 diagnosed in 2011, which was itself up 8 per cent on 2010.

It has been previously reported that one in seven pre-teen children is grossly overweight and a prime candidate for serious health problems, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and hip and joint problems.

If nothing is done to salvage the situation, individuals and the community will pay an increasingly heavy cost.

New Zealand adults are on average the second heaviest among 50 countries, prompting warnings of a looming medical crisis.

In my view, the proliferation of fast-food outlets has mirrored the increase in obesity. This is not to say obesity is solely a product of inappropriate nutrition. Physical activity is equally important but there is no doubt about the impact fast food is having on our society.

Kiwis reached the $1.5 billion mark in takeaway consumption last year. This has risen 25 per cent over the past four years and, as one commentator noted, given most of this food is high in sugar, fat and salt, it is another milestone on the march to our collective doom at the hands of diabetes and other diet-related illnesses.

Consider the harm associated with these foods: poorly controlled diabetes can result in blindness, kidney failure and amputations.

Now compare that with the Government's response to the arrival of synthetic cannabis and party pills, or even to the measures it has taken to reduce the influence of the tobacco and alcohol industries.

I've been supportive of the Government's bid to regulate the synthetic cannabis industry. However, if we are to regulate on the basis of harm prevention, then is it time to take a look at the fast-food industry?

Should limits be placed on advertising of fast food and should taxes be increased to counter the health costs associated with obesity? Should the move to plain packaging and warning labels on cigarettes be applied to fast food?

No doubt such moves would be unpopular with some but it is time the Government started asking these questions.