Second highest rate of asthma and the fourth most obese - we must do better!
The Asthma Foundation joins the New Zealand Medical Association in their level of concern about obesity – especially
with how it contributes to respiratory conditions.
Being obese can increase inflammation in the airways and lead to worsening asthma. If you are overweight you are also at
risk of sleep apnoea which blocks breathing during the night and leads to daytime sleepiness.
Children who are obese often grow into adults who are obese. "Being the fourth fattest country in the OECD and with the
second highest rate of asthma in the world is nothing to be proud of," said Teresa Demetriou, national education
services manager.
Access to cheap fatty foods and poverty can take some of the blame. Research suggests that a poor diet with high amounts
of processed food, fat and refined sugar increases the prevalence of asthma.
Prevention is the key to addressing respiratory health in New Zealand. The Asthma Foundation fully supports measures to
combat the increase of asthma by working tirelessly to raise the profile of respiratory disease through education,
research and advocacy.
"What we put in our mouths makes such a difference to our health, we need to encourage especially our young people to
eat well to live a full life!"
ends