Obesity rates among Asian communities have doubled in the past two decades, a new report suggests, prompting calls for Government action on a broader health strategy.
The study, commissioned by health service Asian Network Inc, draws on 20 years of nationally representative data from the New Zealand Health Survey on the well-being of three ethnic communities – Indian, Chinese, and other Asians.
Researchers found obesity rates have grown from 26% in 2002-03 to 53% in 2019-21. The study also showed that Asian adults were less physically active than other groups.
“We are sitting on a time bomb – a time bomb of a future generation of health,” Asian Network Inc director Vishal Rishi said. “We don’t know what’s going to happen.”
Levels of fruit and vegetable consumption have also declined, with children eating more fast food. It means some Asian communities are more vulnerable to conditions like hypertension, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes.
“The longer the Asian community spends in New Zealand, the higher the levels of obesity once they have arrived here,” epidemiologist and University of Auckland professor Robert Scragg said.
The report also said Asian adults are less likely to have a regular GP, and many have fewer hospital visits – a combination that it says will take a toll on the health system if the Government doesn’t intervene.
Access to health services was higher among those who had lived in the country for more than 10 years, or who were born in New Zealand.
Now, advocates say it’s time for a dedicated Asian health strategy akin to the ones already in place for Māori and Pasifika, people with disabilities, and women.
“If there is a dedicated national strategy to deal with Asian health – inequalities in Asian health – that will be very helpful for the community,” Rishi said.
Ethnic Communities Minister Melissa Lee told 1News she was looking forward to “exploring the findings in-depth, seeing where the biggest challenges and opportunities are, and identifying how I can contribute”.
