The group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, has suggested American Samoa should adopt a plant-based diet to fight obesity.
The suggestion was made by the vice president of International Operations for PETA Australia, Jason Baker, in a letter to the health department, whose director is however yet to see it.
The letter points out that American Samoa has the dubious distinction of having the world's fattest population.
It cites World Health Organisation figures which put estimates of the territory's obesity rate at 94 percent.
Mr Baker says PETA Australia has launched a new vegetarian/vegan starter kit that can help combat obesity.
He says vegans are, on average, fitter, trimmer and healthier than meat-eaters.
He says going vegan would mean that the people of American Samoa would lead healthier, happier lives and also save the lives of a huge number of animals every year.
