Tongan PM challenges other Pacific leaders to participate in weight-loss challenge

Tongan Prime Minister Akilisi Pohiva has challenged other Pacific Island leaders to participate in a year‑long weight‑loss challenge to set an example to their national communities.

Pohiva told a local newspaper he would propose the competition when the leaders meet next month.

Ten of the islands sit at the top of the world obesity rate rankings.

On some, up to 90% of the population are overweight, according to the World Health Organisation.

The region's obesity epidemic has been blamed on traditional diets of fish and vegetables being shunned for processed food imports and fatty meat.

In the interview with the Samoan Observer, Pohiva hit out at the regional failure to combat childhood obesity and diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

[Source: BBC]