Media Release
16 June, 2009
Stepping up the fight against Pacific obesity
500 now trained in pacific nutrition...
Twenty two Auckland students are preparing to help Auckland’s Pacific community combat the rising prevalence of obesity
and overweight.
The group graduates tomorrow (June 17) and will step out into the community armed with the AUT University-accredited
'Certificate in Pacific Nutrition'.
Further boosting their ‘mission’ is the fact they will do so with the blessing of the Ministry of Health and the Heart
Foundation's Pacific Heartbeat team.
Both organisations work together to drive the programme which has now helped over 500 people specialise in Pacific
nutrition since it was launched in 2002 in an effort to help change habits within Pacific communities throughout New
Zealand.
Pacific peoples are increasingly at high-risk of developing heart attack, stroke and blood vessel diseases. Reducing
obesity and lowering cholesterol levels can reduce the risk of these cardiovascular diseases and that is exactly what
the students plan to do by imparting their new found knowledge.
Having just completed the long-running nutrition course aimed at reducing the high levels of obesity and diabetes in
Pacific communities, they now plan to use their expertise in educating their people.
The graduates comprise of 14 health providers, three early childhood centre specialists, two who are active in primary
schools and three church and community workers/leaders.
PHB registered nutritionist, Maria Teresa Cassidy, says the course addresses the high fat content in Pacific diets and
teaches students techniques to reduce saturated fats and control portion sizes.
She says the course also gives students skills and confidence essential in delivering basic nutrition information and
advice into their communities.
“These are critical learnings if our people are to take charge of their lives and live healthier and longer. Too many
Pacific peoples are dying young and many of these deaths are associated with overweight and obesity levels,” says Mrs
Cassidy.
"Our students are really passionate about reducing the incidence of diet-related health problems in Pacific peoples.
That is why they take this knowledge and work with the communities closest to them – with the people who need the help
the most.
"This course is designed to arm these students with practical and relevant information that will help turn statistics
around,” she says.
The course is a hands-on learning experience which provides scientifically-based, relevant and practical nutrition
information.
Participants learn how to reduce saturated fat and control the portion sizes of less healthy ingredients by modifying
the traditional Pacific diet, while retaining all the goodness by promoting healthy aspects of the Pacific diet - like
the use of vitamin-rich tropical fruits.
Mrs Cassidy says the course is providing an essential stepping stone for students to further their nutrition education.
"Until we get them in that first class, so many students don’t realise the struggle our Pacific people have with heart
disease, diabetes and obesity. The information we give them can be life changing and life saving and we can’t ask for
more than that.”
Background
The Pacific Heartbeat's Certificate in Pacific Nutrition Course is funded through the Ministry of Health with
certificates awarded by the Auckland University of Technology. The Pacific Heartbeat Programme is a community health
promotion initiative of the Heart Foundation established in 1991, with the primary objective to make a difference to the
health of Pacific peoples.
ENDS