A National Food and Nutrition Centre survey has revealed that children in Fiji are either suffering from obesity or are underweight.

The survey of three schools last year has found 38 percent of students suffer from obesity and 17 percent of the children are underweight.

Only 45 percent of the children have normal weight.

The Education Ministry said the survey showed a prevalence of the consumption of soft drinks, crisp snacks, cakes and sweets amongst the children.

Minister of Education, Filipe Bole said good nutrition starts at home and schools can work with parents, guardians and caregivers and launch a campaign in the school to fight against the over consumption of junk food.

Meanwhile, the National Food and Nutrition Centre is willing to work with schools to operate their canteens as health promoting school canteens.