NZ swells ranks of the biggest eaters

New Zealand has been linked to a worldwide obesity epidemic in research being presented at an international conference.

It shows New Zealanders have one of the highest daily calorie intakes in the world - on a par with the United States and parts of Europe - and higher than in Australia.

On average New Zealanders consume 3100 to 3800 calories a day compared to 2730 to 3099 consumed by Australians.

The findings come from data collected by the World Resources Insititute in 1999.

Delegates at the 12th European Congress on Obesity in Helsinki will hear that obesity has spiralled into a global epidemic affecting 250 million adults. Experts warn there could be worse to come.

Congress chairman Dr Mikael Fogelholm said the prevalence of obesity among adolescents had grown more rapidly than among the middle-aged.

A diet of high-fat, fast foods and too many hours spent in front of TV or computers had taken its toll. Growing numbers of people were obese from as young as 10 years old, he said.

In New Zealand one in seven pre-teen children are grossly overweight. The problem is worse among Pacific Island children, with one in four obese.

Dr Fogelholm said obesity rates ranged from 2 per cent in some developing countries to 80 per cent on some Pacific Islands and about 20 per cent in Western countries.

Childhood obesity can lead to serious health problems, including Type 2 diabetes - previously seen only in adults - high blood pressure and hip and joint ailments.

Diabetes is expected to cost New Zealand taxpayers more than $1 billion a year by 2021.

Dr Fogelholm said the solution to the obesity epidemic had to start with more exercise and healthy food choices.