Over 90 percent of Fiji's beverage industry has made a commitment to reduce non-communicable diseases (NCD) in a direct response to the government's efforts to curb health problems in the island nation.

The Fiji Beverage Group which included Coca-Cola, Tappoos, Motibhai, Fexco Beverages and Pinto Beverages have given an under- taking not to market their drinks to children under 12 years of age according to radio reports on Wednesday.

They will also increase the availability of lower energy drinks and continue to support healthy, active living.

The group wanted consumers to enjoy their products in a healthy way to reduce NCD. Coca-Cola said there was no single solution to fight obesity so they took a multi-pronged approach.

The Fiji Beverage Group said a study 10 years ago found that cold drinks made up less than 8 percent of Fiji's sugar intake.

It also says self-regulation was the best way to ensure that beverage companies stick to their commitment to help reduce NCDs.

NCD diseases have been proven to be the most deadly killer in Fiji.

Earlier reports in The Fiji Times said many women died young from the disease leaving behind a young family.

Cardiovascular disease and diabetes were the two most common causes of premature deaths in Fiji.

Minister for Health Dr. Neil Sharma recently said that only 15 percent of the Fijian population would live beyond 60 years of age because of the unhealthy lifestyles.

Fiji was reported to have one of the highest rates of cervical cancer in the Pacific and women with this condition presented themselves late when cure was not possible.

In Fiji 400 amputations were conducted on diabetic patients every year. This means there are 33 amputations per month and eight done every week. On average, that's one every 12.6 hours.

In 2010, 693 amputations were conducted in Fiji. That meant almost two operations were carried out every day.

Medical expenses are now also taking a strain from the ever- growing operations on diabetic patients.