8 Feb 2018

Top chef's new role to address obesity in Pacific

7:23 pm on 8 February 2018

Celebrity chef Robert Oliver has been appointed to a special Fiji-based UN role on healthy living.

Robert Oliver is being honoured for his services to the food industry and Pacific communities.

Robert Oliver Photo: Supplied

Mr Oliver is the new Advocate for Food, Sustainable Development and Wellbeing with the United Nations Development Programme in Fiji.

The role was created after a study by the World Health Organisation placed Pacific countries in the top ten nations for youth obesity rates.

Obesity leads to non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

The appointment is recognition not only of Mr Oliver's passion for Pacific cuisine but his knowledge of how good nutrition can play a role in reducing the risk of NCDs, the Samoa Observer reported.