Inquiry into obesity crisis

A parliamentary inquiry will be held into the growing problem of obesity and type 2 diabetes in New Zealand.

The health select committee yesterday voted unanimously for the inquiry, which will examine why the problem is increasing and what more can be done to address it.

Green MP Sue Kedgley, the committee's chairwoman, said:

"Obesity is arguably the most serious public health crisis confronting New Zealand.

"Already 10 per cent of New Zealand children and 21 per cent of adults are obese and experts say that 1.5 million New Zealanders can be classed as overweight or obese."

The committee is calling for submissions from the public.