From individual behaviour strategies to sustainable food systems: Countering the obesity and non communicable diseases epidemic in New Zealand

Radilaite Cammock, Tonumaipe’a, Daysha, Cath Conn, Sa’uLilo, Losi, El-Shadan Tautolo and Shoba Nayar

Health Policy, 2021, vol. 125, issue 2, 229-238

Abstract: New Zealand is currently facing an obesity and non communicable diseases (NCDs) epidemic. Recent studies have largely attributed these health issues to insufficient food and low-quality diets that cause micronutrient deficiencies. Improving healthy diets requires broader thinking and collaboration, particularly around maintaining sustainable food systems, which signifies a shift from individualistic/behavioural approaches in health promotion. This paper aims to extend solutions addressing increasing rates of obesity and diet-related NCDs in New Zealand while considering diet and human health in concurrence with sustainability. In particular, the three pillars of sustainability—economic, environmental, and social—will be considered, alongside application of a food systems approach to analysing the epidemic and policy developments in New Zealand. Given its proximity to smaller Pacific islands in the region, New Zealand is in a unique position to work multisectorally and be a leader in considering food system approaches to tackling obesity and NCDs in the Pacific.

Keywords: Food systems; Obesity; non communicable disease; Sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:hepoli:v:125:y:2021:i:2:p:229-238

DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2020.12.001

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