Final answer:
The likely contributing factors to obesity in developing Pacific Island nations, beyond the importation of western-style foods, include the low cost of processed foods, the lack of space to grow food locally, and a dietary shift towards more calories from fats and proteins as income rises.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the information provided about the importation of western-style foods and its link to high rates of obesity in developing Pacific Island nations, the other factors likely contributing to the obesity problem might include:
- The low cost of processed foods which makes them more accessible and appealing to consumers compared to healthier options. Calories from processed foods like oil, butter, and sugar are typically far less expensive than healthier options such as vegetables.
- The lack of space to grow food locally can also contribute, making it difficult for local populations to access fresh, healthy foods. This often forces a reliance on imported, processed foods that are high in fats, sugars, and calories.
- The increase of income leading individuals to prefer more calories from fats and proteins and fewer from carbohydrates, which might align with unhealthy eating patterns contributing to obesity.