Cammock R, Tonumaipe'a D, Conn C, Sa'uLilo L, Tautolo ES, Nayar S. From individual behaviour strategies to sustainable food systems: Countering the obesity and non communicable diseases epidemic in New Zealand.
Health Policy 2020;
125:229-238. [PMID:
33339620 DOI:
10.1016/j.healthpol.2020.12.001]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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.
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