The Sendai Framework (UN, 2015) sets out the urgency to anticipate, plan for, and reduce disaster risk globally. Work is required to reduce exposure and vulnerability. Disaster risk reduction (DRR) approaches need to be broader and more people-centred. Morbid obesity (body mass index > 40) is associated with serious co-morbiditiesand persons with morbid obesity have been identified as a vulnerable population in disasters.
This presents a major concern in NZ and our Maori and Pacific populations are disproportionately represented in statistics for morbid obesity compared with the total population.
A literature scan found no empirical reports of data specific to morbid obesity and disasters. Some accounts of the experience of people with morbid obesity in the aftermath of natural disasters were located. No research relating to DRR as it relates to persons with morbid obesity, DRR and/or emergency management has been conducted in New Zealand.
This presentation will explore issues relating to DRR and morbid obesity and will report on findings to date of this study.