Government of Cook Islands fights rising obesity rates
For the past 30 years, the remote Cook Islands in the South Pacific have been developing a successful tourist industry. But the country is now 82 percent food-import dependent, and the traditional diet has been replaced by imported, often calorie-rich and nutrient-poor processed foods. Rates of obesity have skyrocketed to 80-90 percent among adults, and 81 percent of adult deaths are now due to non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart disease. In response, the ministry of health has initiated a community-based “invest in your health” campaign, which encourages islanders to exercise for at least 10 minutes, five days a week, and to consume five portions of fruit or vegetables a day. In support, the business, trade and industry board has launched a “Go Local” campaign, which encourages people to buy locally grown, cheaper produce. FAO is also assisting the ministry of agriculture to increase the availability of fruit, vegetables and root crops throughout the state.
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