The fact that Fiji is facing an obesity crisis is alarming. It is a concern when close to 40 per cent of the population is classified as obese, with more than a quarter overweight, according to health experts.
National Diabetes Centre principal medical officer Dr Momtaz Ahmed says the trend reflects a broader global issue. And it is one that is quite severe across the Pacific.
Obesity, he notes, is rising worldwide and has become a major public health challenge.
Within this global context, Pacific nations stand out, consistently ranking among those with the highest obesity burdens.
Findings from the latest STEPwise approach to NCD risk factor surveillance (STEPS) survey reveal the scale of the problem locally.
Data from the 2025 survey, released this year, shows that 39.9 per cent of Fiji’s population is obese, while 29.2 per cent is overweight. Only 28.5 per cent fall within a normal body mass index range. These figures are scary and they paint a picture of a nation grappling with a serious and growing health crisis.
Dr Ahmed says these numbers should not be taken lightly. We agree.
The prevalence of obesity and overweight people will increase the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, hypertension, and various forms of cancer.
And as obesity rates climb, so too does the burden on people, families, and the healthcare system. Yet, he maintains that obesity is preventable. So, there is hope afterall!
Minister for Health Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu also highlights the disproportionate impact on women.
Speaking at a recent World Obesity Day and International Women’s Day event in Suva, he pointed out that women in Fiji tend to experience higher obesity rates across many age groups.
This, he said, carries broader implications, as women often play central roles within families as caregivers, educators, and decision-makers.
Empowering women with the right knowledge, resources, and access to care, he noted, has a ripple effect, benefiting households and communities.
There is no doubt about the fact that we are facing a major challenge. The reality that such a large proportion of the population is overweight or obese must concern us all.
It forces us to reflect on the value we place on our health, and the choices we make every day, particularly when it comes to diet and lifestyle.
We have important questions. Do we need to rethink what we eat?
Can healthier diets become the norm rather than the exception?
And critically, how do we address the affordability of nutritious food?
For many, the cost of eating well remains a barrier, raising concerns about whether healthy living is within reach for all.
Change is inevitable, but it must begin with each of us. It requires a genuine commitment to healthier living, one that inspires personal transformation and encourages our families and communities to follow suit.
But there must be a united response, supported by policymakers and stakeholders who can ensure that healthy food options are accessible and affordable.
The figures before us are a warning. They demand our attention and our action!
