Coasties are facing a growing health challenge, with obesity rates among Asian communities doubling over the past 20 years, according to a new report.

The findings, detailed in the "Asian Health in Aotearoa" report, shed light on significant health issues affecting these groups.

Commissioned by The Asian Network Incorporated, the report will be launched in Parliament on 27 August at 6 pm.

Vishal Rishi, the director of The Asian Network Incorporated, described the report as the most comprehensive yet on Asian health in New Zealand.

"It sheds light on several critical issues that require urgent attention to improve health outcomes within our Asian communities," said Rishi.

The report is based on 20 years of data from the New Zealand Health Survey and focuses on three ethnic communities: South Asian, Chinese, and Other Asian.

The most striking finding was the rise in obesity among adults across these groups, jumping from 26% in 2002-03 to 53% in 2019-21.

This surge in obesity rates took researchers by surprise, especially considering the traditionally healthier profiles of immigrant communities.

Lead author Zhenqiang Wu of the University of Auckland noted, "Usually, because of 'the healthy migrant effect,' you'd expect these groups to have better health outcomes. But when it comes to obesity, the rates are significantly higher than for European and Other groups."

The research also revealed that Asian adults, alongside Māori and Pacific adults, were less physically active and less likely to consume the recommended five-plus servings of fruit and vegetables daily.

Additionally, the consumption of fast food more than once a week has risen since 2006-07 among these communities.

"This is concerning," said Professor Robert Scragg, a senior author of the report, "because obesity is linked to chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes."

Another critical issue highlighted in the report is the persistently high rates of ethnic discrimination, with Chinese adults being the most frequently targeted.

According to the data, 41.2% of Chinese adults have experienced ethnically motivated verbal attacks, an increase from 27.3% in 2015-16.

The report also found that all Asian groups, along with Māori and Pacific people, are more than twice as likely as European and Other groups to face discrimination when renting or buying a house due to their ethnicity.

Despite these challenges, the report also identified some encouraging trends.

Asian populations have lower rates of smoking and harmful alcohol use compared to other ethnic groups in New Zealand.

However, access to healthcare remains an issue, particularly for newer immigrants, with Asian adults being less likely to have a usual health practitioner or visit a hospital when unwell.

As the Asian population in New Zealand continues to grow, now making up 17% of the total population and projected to reach 26% by 2043, these findings underscore the need for more targeted research and healthcare strategies.

"We need to address the diverse health needs of these communities effectively," said Wu, stressing the importance of ongoing research and careful planning to improve health outcomes for New Zealand's growing Asian population.