A researcher says the results of a study of Maori and Pasifika youth comparing the relationship between poor sleeping habits and weight gain could help tackle obesity internationally.
The Massey University project will begins in October and involve 40 teenagers and 40 adults in two groups.
It will examine sleep patterns and weight management in adolescents with various workshops focusing on whether improving a teenager's sleep patterns helps weight loss.
Researcher Geoff Kira says the project will be a world first and he aims to get other countries doing something similar to tackle obesity in youth.
Dr Kira says workshops will be held to discuss behavioural change strategies, with follow-up assessments six and 12 months later.
