The latest National Health Survey provides a snapshot of the health of New Zealand health and how it has changed over time. Results show obesity is continuing to increase in children and adults:
“The child obesity rate has increased from 8% in 2006/07, to 10% in 2011/12 (in children aged 2–14 years). A further 21% of children were overweight (but not obese). 28% of adults were obese in 2011/12 – up from 26% in 2006/07.”
Professor Tony Blakely of Otago University is one of many people shocked by the findings.
“I’m shocked by the latest figures on child obesity which show an increase rates from 8% in 2006/7 to 11% in 2011/12, and in particular the extreme inequalities that we now have in New Zealand.”
Read more about the survey:
Health of NZ Adults – key findings
Health of NZ Children – key findings
Read more about the survey: Ministry of Health media release, 12 Dec 2012
Science Media Centre’s analysis,13 Dec 2012
Otago University press release, 12 Dec 2012