Doc backs call for tax to cut obesity in Pacific

Part of the problem was that Pacific Islanders were increasingly eating more imported processed foods. Photo / Thinkstock

A leading Pacific doctor is supporting calls for island countries to consider a fat tax on junk food to tackle the ticking time bomb of obesity in the region.

The World Health Organisation ranks eight Pacific nations among the world's top 10 most obese countries.

Unless drastic measures are introduced, the region is headed for disaster, says Colin Tukuitonga, director-general of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.

"Small fragile health systems in the region just won't be able to cope," said Dr Tukuitonga.

Increased rates of diabetes, heart disease and kidney problems would also be a drain on the development potential of the Pacific because those most affected were in their 30s, 40s and 50s, the most productive working years.

Part of the problem was that Pacific Islanders were increasingly eating more imported processed food that is low on nutrients but high in calories, while shunning their traditional diets.

Children being "glued" to electronic gadgets with less physical activity was another risk factor.

Asked if Pacific countries should consider introducing a fat tax on junk food, Dr Tukuitonga said the idea had some merit.

"There's good evidence, based on the experience with tobacco where you ... put a tax on an item, it raises the price and you generally have reduced consumption," he said.

French Polynesia, Nauru, Fiji and Samoa have already introduced taxes on soft drinks.

Some Pacific governments are considering restrictions on television junk-food advertising.

Obese countries
1. Cook Islands 46.6 per cent of population
2. Palau 43.1 per cent
3. Qatar 40 per cent
4. Nauru 39.7 per cent
5. Niue 37.7 per cent
6. Marshall Islands 36.9 per cent
7. Tonga 36.4 per cent
8. Samoa 36 per cent
9. Kuwait 35.5 per cent
10. Tuvalu 34.5 per cent
21. Australia 28.4 per cent
22. New Zealand 27.7 per cent
(Source: World Health Organisation)

- AAP