Obesity

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Obesity in New Zealand
www.moh.govt.nz/obesity

Evidence is emerging to suggest that the prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing worldwide at an alarming rate. New Zealand is no exception. In 2002/3 one in three adults was overweight (excludes obese) and one in five adults was obese.

The World Health Organization has estimated that the cost for obesity is 2 to 7 percent of the annual health budget, which equates to $303 million in New Zealand.

Obesity is a risk factor for many chronic disease including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and stroke, gallstones and some cancers.

The New Zealand Health Strategy 2000 has three objectives that directly relate to obesity. These are:

to improve nutrition
to increase physical activity
to reduce obesity.

Related information

Healthy Eating – Healthy Action (HEHA) is the Ministry of Health’s strategic approach to improving nutrition, increasing physical activity and achieving healthy weight for all New Zealanders.

Physical Activity

Improving Nutrition, Increasing Physical Activity and Reducing Obesity Health Target

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