How Pacific nations became world's fattest

(Source: The Times of India, 12 April 2011)
"This is the biggest issue facing Tonga," he said, citing soaring levels of weight-related coronary disease, diabetes and strokes among islanders. "Every other day there's a funeral, a next-door neighbour, a relative, a friend. It's always heart disease, diabetes, it's ridiculous."

The Tongan health department says more than 90% of the total population is classed as overweight and more than 60% is obese. According to WHO data released last year, Pacific island nations account for eight of the top 10 countries where the male population is overweight or obese.

Weight-related diseases are responsible for three-quarters of deaths in the region, Fiji-based WHO nutritionist Temo Waqanivalu said, with diabetes rates in some Pacific nations close to 50%. "It's a problem that health systems are struggling with," he said. Read more