This is blamed on a shift from the traditional diet based on local fish and vegetables to imported cans of processed fatty food.
Fiji-based World Health Organization nutritionist Temo Waqanivalu said weight-related diseases are now responsible for three-quarters of deaths in the region.
“There’s no lack of attempt by Pacific Island countries to try and apply those restrictions, especially to the imported foods,” she said.
“Then they get faced with trade issues about free trade in the Pacific. So they are caught between what they would like to do to ensure a healthier population and economic terms in terms of trade.”
