Understanding excess body weight: report

Obesity is New Zealand’s leading modifiable risk factor for health loss as it is in Australia.
 A number of diseases, including type 2 diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, ischaemic stroke and some cancers, are associated with excess body weight. Health loss can lead to premature death; life expectancy for the extremely obese is shortened by 8 to 10 years.

This NZ publication explores the increase in obesity over a 36 year period to 2013 and investigates the impact of obesity on different birth cohorts. It reviews the current status of adult and child obesity in New Zealand, looking at the population groups that are affected most. The report also looks at the prevalence of extreme obesity, where health impacts on individuals are likely to be most pronounced.

Understanding excess body weight: New Zealand Health Survey. Hilary Sharpe, Sarah Bradbury;  Ministry of Health (New Zealand) Government of New Zealand. 16 April 2015