Samoa's Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, has blamed parents' laziness for obesity among Samoa's young.
Tuila'epa, who was speaking at the launch of the Ministry of Health's Nobesity programme, said several parents rely on fast food nearly every day to feed their kids.
Tuila'epa says parents have an important role in feeding their children healthy food instead of oily pancakes, fish and chips and other fast foods.
Tuila'epa is requesting assistance from New Zealand and Australia for the programme.
The Ministry of Health's CEO, Leausa Dr Take Naseri, said the Prime Minister, as a father and grandfather, was speaking from his heart.
Samoa's Ministry of Health has launched a programme to combat obesity. Photo: RNZI / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia