Obesity epidemic inquiry by MPs likely
22 February 2006
By KELLY ANDREW

The growing obesity epidemic is likely to be the target of a parliamentary inquiry. Members of the health select committee are expected to debate the issue today. Support is strong across political parties and the vote from members is likely to be unanimously in favour. Obesity kills more than 1000 New Zealanders each year, double the annual road toll, and costs about $300 million. Being overweight is linked to conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some cancers.

Green Party health spokeswoman Sue Kedgley, who chairs the select committee, said her party had been seeking an inquiry into obesity for several years. "Unless we address the problems of obesity and diabetes they're going to put huge strains on our health budget and the number of New Zealanders requiring hospitalisation will increase." Other committee members contacted by The Dominion Post yesterday said there was little debate that an inquiry was justified.

NZ First MP Barbara Stewart said something needed to be done urgently to respond to alarming statistics relating to childhood obesity. National Party MP Tony Ryall said an inquiry would get his party's support. However, he would not confirm that it was on today's committee agenda. Labour's Maryan Street also said she would back an inquiry.

Otago University professor in human nutrition Jim Mann said he hoped the inquiry would proceed and give structure to what was now a very fragmented approach to the obesity problem.

"I hope the outcome will be action that will lead to an orchestrated, organised policy for New Zealand. It is imperative that we have a coordinated system where people are sharing expertise and implementing things that are likely to work, rather than wasting time and money."

If the committee decides an inquiry should be launched, submissions will be invited from members of the public, lobby groups and medical professionals. The investigation is likely to cover possible causes of the epidemic, its impact on the health system, and the effectiveness of measures to tackle it.