Fat takes increasing toll on New Zealanders

Fat kills, with new statistics showing that more than 1000 New Zealanders die each year from obesity.

An updated report on New Zealanders' nutritional status, released today by Agencies for Nutrition Action (ANA), shows that the yearly fat-death toll is more than double the annual road toll.

The report said that with more than half of New Zealand's population overweight or obese, the cost to the country directly attributable to health-related problems caused by obesity was conservatively estimated at $130 million.

ANA executive officer Sue Zimmerman said the "scary trends" identified in 1997 had worsened. It was especially bad for Maori and Pacific Island people and those on low incomes.

Reducing obesity was identified as one of the 13 population health objectives in the New Zealand health strategy announced in December.

The ANA aims to encourage healthy eating patterns, combined with exercise, to prevent future weight gain.

It comprises the Cancer Society, National Heart Foundation, National Diabetes Forum, Dietetic Association, Te Hotu Manawa Maori and the Nutrition Foundation.

- NZPA