Nutrition highlighted as a factor in disease

ANA Media Release 6 August 2003

Agencies for Nutrition Action (ANA) support the findings of Nutrition and the Burden of Disease launched by Minister of Health, Annette King today (06/08/03). The report found that poor nutrition has a role in about 11,000 deaths a year in New Zealand, which equates to 40 percent of all deaths by contributing to the risk factors for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer.

"This report confirms that two well-established nutrition related risk factors – cholesterol and blood pressure are, along with tobacco smoking, the three major modifiable causes of premature death in New Zealand," says Carolyn Watts, Chairperson of ANA.

"The report provides evidence that if we can increase fruit and vegetable intake and address obesity levels than this could have a major impact on our population's health," says Ms Watts.

"The report emphasises that there is no quick fix to address poor nutrition, and that what is needed is a combination of strategies, to achieve sustainable change.

We are pleased that this report provides part of the evidence base, for strategies to successfully encourage healthy eating and physical activity," says Ms Watts. "Our challenge is now to act on this evidence and encourage the implementation of the multiple strategies required to address poor nutrition."

For more information and comment contact:

Carolyn Watts, Chairperson
Agencies for Nutrition Action
Phone 04 494 7276