Many Maoris Said To Be Overweight

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30294, 21 November 1963, Page 16

Many Maoris Said To Be Overweight

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, November 1

Maoris were more prone to some diseases than Europeans and this was associated with overweight in many instances, Dr. I. Prior, of Wellington, told members of the PanPacific Surgical Association today.

The members were attending a symposium on Polynesian disease in the Auckland medical centre. Dr. Prior said medical statistics showed that the Maori people had a higher death rate at all ages. Their life expectancy was less than that of Europeans by 13 years. He said that in proportion the Maoris suffered more from some types of cancer, diabetes and leukemia. On the clinical side they had a predisposition to some complaints such as gout which was six or seven times more common. A survey of a rural area had revealed that many Maoris were overweight with a high incidence of hypertensions, heart disease and diabetes. There was a high proportion of fat and sugar in the diet. The problem was caused

by a plethora of calories combined with the cultural importance of eating and the Maoris’ relative inactivity. "They cannot afford this obesity with its increasing reward of a high rate of disease,” he said. Dr. Prior said he believed the health of the Maori would improve as integration developed. He thought some of the problems were caused by environment and this would improve.