July 25, 2016
Game to tackle fat
Massey University’s School of Public Health wants to see whether competitions can help Maori and Pacific people lose weight.
Team challenges are already used as part of efforts to help people quit smoking.
Associate Professor Marewa Glover says for the Ka Mau Te Wehi trial, Maori health providers in Northland and Manawatu will each recruit seven teams of seven people who are at high risk for diabetes type 2 or cardiovascular disease and who have a Body Mass Index of 30 or more.
There will also be a Pasifika competition in Auckland.
The teams will receive information about how to lose weight and they earn points for achieving goals aimed at increasing physical activity, changing eating habits and making healthier cooking choices.
Dr Glover says obesity is on the rise among Maori, with the percentage of Maori women considered obese rising from 42 percent to 48 percent over the past decade.
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