Health experts have called on the government to tackle New Zealand’s rapidly growing obesity and diabetes problems.

In a letter published in the New Zealand Medical Journal, nutrition & public health professionals warned that obesity would cost millions if the growing problem was not addressed urgently.

According to the 2006/07 Health Survey, 63 per cent of adults in New Zealand were either obese or overweight.

The health experts warned, “The direct healthcare costs of obesity are estimated to be between 2–7% of the annual healthcare budget, and this will balloon out of control if New Zealand’s weight gain is not reversed.”

Between 1989 and 1997, the average weight gain in adults was recorded at 3.2 kg, and the latest Adult Nutrition Survey, which is to be released in September, will likely show the trend to be continuing.

The letter also urged the government take some urgent preventive actions, such as implementation of a national nutrition & physical activity strategy, and reinstating the requirement for schools to sell only healthy food.