7 Nov 2010

Pacific food needs rethink for health's sake, says GP

11:04 am on 7 November 2010

South Auckland GP Sam Fuimaono says the Pacific Island population eats too much unhealthy food and that is why many are obese.

Dr Fuimaono, who recently lost 60kg through a health programme for obese Pacific Islanders, says the community is destroying itself.

He says food is important but the community must think about how it can maintain cultural protocols and still serve healthy food.

Fitness trainer Buck Stowers, who runs the Big Boys programme attended by Dr Fuimaono, says too many Pacific events are based around food that is unhealthy.

Mr Stowers says a community-wide health and exercise programme would help.