The Fiji STEPS Survey 2025 has provided crucial insights into body weight trends within the nation, highlighting a noteworthy increase in average weights among both men and women during middle age. The survey reveals that individuals aged 30 to 59 years show significantly higher average weights when compared to their younger and older counterparts.
The findings indicate that men have an overall average weight of 83.9 kilograms, with the heaviest subgroup being men aged 30 to 44 years, who average 87.3 kilograms. Men aged 45 to 59 years are also on the heavier side, averaging 86.0 kilograms. In contrast, younger men aged 18 to 29 years and older men aged 60 to 69 years exhibit lower average weights.
For women, the average weight is reported at 80.8 kilograms, mirroring the trend seen in men, where women in the 30 to 59 age group also show higher weights compared to those in other age categories. This underscores a prevalent pattern of increased weight during mid-life among both genders.
Health officials have emphasized the necessity of responding to these findings with targeted lifestyle and nutrition interventions focusing on adults in their working years. Such proactive measures could play a critical role in reducing long-term health risks associated with excessive body weight. By fostering healthier lifestyles, these initiatives hold the potential to benefit not only individuals but also the wider community in Fiji, promoting overall well-being and health.