Fiji, Oct. 24 -- By Pita Ligaiula in Nadi

Tongan Prime Minister Dr Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa says childhood obesity is a serious concern, as it is reaching alarming levels in many Pacific Islands countries including Tonga.

Addressing the 2019 Pacific Early Childhood Development (ECD)Forum in Nadi today, Dr Tu'ionetoa says this young generation will face a greater risk of lifelong NCDs primarily diabetes and heart disease.

"Many children today are growing up in an obesogenic environment. The production and availability of healthy food such as fruits and vegetables have declined, while the production, importation and consumption of unhealthy processed food have increased. Addressing childhood obesity requires consideration of the environmental ...