Obesity rises sharply as French Polynesia faces chronic health challenges

Obesity rates in French Polynesia have risen sharply over the past decade, with new government figures showing worsening levels of diabetes, high blood pressure and other chronic conditions.

The prevalence of obesity among adults increased by 11 percent points over 11 years, according to the latest statistics on the health of the Polynesian population from 2019 to 2025, published by the local health authorities in Papeete.

From 40 percent in 2010, the obesity rate among people aged 18 to 69 rose to 51 percent in 2021 – more than one in two.

The figures also show that nearly one in four adolescents was obese by 2024.

Health conditions associated with obesity have also risen, with 35.5 percent of adults affected by high blood pressure, 14.5 percent by gout and 12.2 percent by diabetes.

The local agency for health and social care said deaths linked to diabetes had risen more than fourfold over 20 years, reaching 32 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants in 2021.

Chronic kidney disease is another growing concern. Its prevalence rose from 4.5 cases per 1,000 inhabitants in 2010 to 14 per 1,000 in 2024.

Health authorities pointed to lifestyle factors as a major contributor, saying sedentary behaviour and an unbalanced diet remain widespread across the French Pacific territory.

More that 1 billion of world's population is clinically obese, study shows

Ageing population

French Polynesia is also undergoing significant demographic change.

Life expectancy stands at just over 79 years for women and 74.5 years for men, while the fertility rate has fallen to 1.7 children per woman, down from 2.2 in 2002.

The decline in births, combined with longer life expectancy, means the population is ageing. The territory's population has meanwhile levelled off at just under 280,000 inhabitants.

At the same time, the government reported encouraging results in its fight against tuberculosis, saying incidence rates had more than halved between 2019 and 2025.

However, the incidence of HIV has risen to 8.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, prompting authorities to announce a new prevention campaign focusing on sexually transmitted infections.

Could recognising obesity as a disease help tackle fatphobia in France?

The health indicators come as French Polynesia prepares to implement its health organisation plan for 2026-2031.

Authorities have identified four main priorities: tackling cancer, which remains the leading cause of death, improving mental health services, strengthening prevention and health promotion, and developing a more comprehensive approach to healthcare.

The plan is intended to address both the immediate burden of chronic disease and the longer-term pressures created by an ageing population.

(with newswires)