‘Obesity is killing our people’: social constructions of obesity and the impact on the health and well–being of Maori and Pacific Island migrants in Australia

Despite having some of the highest figures in the world in relation to obesity-related disease and premature death from preventable illnesses, Polynesians are not responding to Western biomedical suggestions for lifestyle interventions. The reasons behind this apparent reluctance are extensively explored in this thesis. Although there is a focus on health, in particular, obesity in this population group, this thesis also highlights the interaction between class and culture in all aspects of people’s lives. The challenge of maintaining consocial family values, identity and cultural practices in a new country and how these are adapting and changing is discussed, as well as issues around education, work practices and gender roles. This thesis, therefore, gives an overview of socio-economic and cultural issues affecting the growing Polynesian migrant community in Australia. This work has application for health professionals, policy makers, teachers, academics and community workers.