Thumbnail Image

Changing diets are leading to higher rates of non-communicable diseases in Fiji

A case study on food systems, diets and health

Year of publication 2021

Place of publication Apia, Samoa ;

Pages 5p.

Author FAO

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Policy brief

ISBN 978-92-5-135020-1

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) The diets of Fijians have changed and continue to change in response to the evolving nature of food systems. An increase in the intake of highly-processed foods and a decrease in that of fresh fruits and vegetables can directly impact health outcomes. This brief, based on a study that assessed the dietary diversity of individuals and households, points out the urgent need to further consider the role of food systems on diets and to create a roadmap for improved food systems, healthier food environments and healthier diets for all Fijians.

Cite this content as:

FAO. 2021. Changing diets are leading to higher rates of non-communicable diseases in Fiji – A case study on food systems, diets and health. Apia.

https://doi.org/10.4060/cb6965en

Language English

Also available in:
No results found.

Related items

Showing items related by metadata.

  • Thumbnail Image
    Book (stand-alone)
    The role of diets and food systems in the prevention of obesity and non-communicable diseases in Fiji
    Gathering evidence and supporting multi-stakeholder engagement
    2021
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    Despite the lack of literature and inconsistencies in research aims and methods, it is evident that dietary intake has been shifting from traditional food consumption patterns to diets that are heavily reliant on imported and increasingly processed foods in Fiji. Availability of food items varies depending on location, however there is evidence of food environments with high availability of energy dense, nutrient poor foods, in both rural and urban locations. Food environments around vulnerable populations, for example schools, are of concern, with 80 percent of the outlets surveyed within 400 m school zones selling sugar-sweetened beverages. While the process of developing policies that support a healthy diet is enabled by Fiji’s whole-of-government commitment to improving food nutrition security, there are competing priorities and points of incoherence that deter this, particularly relating to economic growth. A range of specific policy measures have been introduced in Fiji by different government sectors that influence all facets of the food system. However, capacities required to develop and deliver policies are limited across government, primarily by the allocation of resources and technical expertise. This reduces the effectiveness of existing policy measures to support healthy diets, and the progression of new measures. A range of gaps and opportunities exist among the policy measures identified, and entry points lie throughout the food system and associated policy environment to improve dietary behaviour in Fiji.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Brochure, flyer, fact-sheet
    What can diets and food systems do to prevent obesity and non-communicable diseases in Fiji? 2021
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    In the past 20 to 30 years, accelerated changes to local food systems and dietary patterns in Fiji have contributed to rising rates of overweight and obesity. The rise in these forms of malnutrition has led to an increase in the incidence of a range of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes, certain cancers, and cardiovascular diseases. NCDs are now behind over 80 percent of deaths in Fiji annually, generating a significant social and economic burden. This brief outlines one of the focus areas of a research project titled 'The role of diets and food systems in the prevention of obesity and non-communicable diseases in Fiji' on what diets can do to prevent overweight, obesity, and NCDs in Fiji.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Book (stand-alone)
    The role of microbiome science in addressing malnutrition and noncommunicable diseases 2024
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    Despite significant progress in certain areas, the world is off track for meeting global nutrition targets. It has long been known that exposure to an unhealthy (i.e. inadequate, unsafe and unbalanced) diet is a direct risk factor for all forms of malnutrition and health-related outcomes. Studies also suggest that the “dietary energy imbalance” concept (i.e. an excess of dietary energy consumed, as compared to actual energy expenditure) is far from sufficient to explain, manage and reverse the obesity epidemic and address undernutrition.A growing body of evidence shows that humans have a symbiotic relationship with the community of billions of microorganisms present in their intestines – the gut microbiome – and that this may have important implications for nutrition and health. This narrative review presents the state of knowledge regarding interconnections between the gut microbiome and human health, focusing in particular on obesity, undernutrition and diet-related NCDs. The paper also explores how changes in lifestyle and diet – especially early in life – can disturb or positively enhance the gut microbiome, and have potentially major impacts on human health (see Figure 1).It presents and discusses emerging innovations based on microbiome knowledge, and the potential implications of current evidence for actions to prevent various forms of malnutrition and related health outcomes. Major research gaps and needs, recommendations and policy implications are also addressed.
Show more

Users also downloaded

Showing related downloaded files

No results found.