An American Samoa lawmaker, who is also a member of the local Non Communicable Disease Coalition, says he is wary about overseas groups making suggestions of how to fight the diseases.
This comes after the group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, said American Samoa should adopt a plant-based diet to fight obesity.
Larry Sanitoa says while he can appreciate the concerns of such organisations, American Samoa needs to be conscious of the fact that often they have ulterior motives or political reasons.
He says the Health Department and the local NCD Coalition have already presented a draft of the NCD National Plan for American Samoa to the governor.
Mr Sanitoa also says people are learning the importance of keeping physically active either through home and work tasks, or taking part in a sport, and placing a priority on eating more balanced meals regularly.
