Fiji is ranked the fourth obese nation in the Pacific region.

This was revealed by Minister for Health Dr Neil Sharma at a three day Fiji Food Summit in Nadi today.

Dr Sharma said the non-communicable disease arises as a result of an imbalanced lifestyle of what we consume which is due to people choosing canned food instead of local produce.

He stressed that food security, safety and quantity has become an important issue for the individuals and the community, nationally and internationally.

According to a recent study, Fiji shows high incidences of anemia in children, women and even men.

Dr Sharma is calling on people to use the traditional diets stressing that adapting to healthy eating and physical activities is of paramount importance.