Melody, the incidence of Type 2 diabetes and obesity in Samoa is the highest in the world - the former incidence is more than 30%. Genetic risk factors do not seem to be important. The main risk is ready availability of cheap poor quality imported foods.

I understand your worry about your friend. Maybe you could encourage her to walk a bit more, even if it is only a bit to start with. That will help her to lose weight in a controlled way and could also could help her to deal with her stress. I am not over-weight but walk whenever I am feeling stressed - it works for me.