Some parents in Samoa say unhealthy eating habits and reduced physical activity among children are becoming increasingly noticeable.
They claim that more families rely on processed foods, sugary drinks and fast meals due to busy lifestyles and convenience.
According to UNICEF, childhood obesity is a pressing public health issue in Samoa, with roughly eight per cent of children under five classified as overweight—well above the global average of 5.6 per cent. This escalating health challenge is primarily driven by a dietary shift toward highly processed, imported, energy-dense foods at the expense of traditional, nutrient-rich diets.
Parents also say rising food costs are making it harder to consistently prepare healthy meals at home, with many households turning to cheaper and more accessible food options.
Nancy Salu said one of the main challenges for parents is managing the cost of food while trying to maintain healthy diets for their children.
