The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has expressed concern about the levels of obesity in the region and especially among children.
In its message to mark World Obesity Day, observed on March 4 under the theme “Every Body Needs Everyone,” CARPHA said that obesity is now a critical issue for developing countries, including CARPHA Member States , especially as it affects a “significant number” of children.
“The Caribbean has some of the highest rates of weight and obesity in the Americas with adults ranging from 18.9% in Antigua and Barbuda to 31.6% in the Bahamas. Remarkably, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children aged 5-9 in CARICOM countries is rising, being highest in the Bahamas at 39.5% and lowest in Saint Lucia at 26.1%, ”he noted, to the fact that the prevalence of obesity in Caribbean children is two to three times higher than the rest of the world.
According to CARPHA, with the childhood and adolescent obesity epidemic, the future seen through the lens of the Communicable Disease risk factor (NCDs) looks bleak, as these young people will be the generation working in the future but living with higher rates of NCDs.
He highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of people with obesity, and other NCDs. “It is not yet clear why COVID-19 is associated with obesity, but an increased susceptibility to respiratory problems, inflammation, and immunological disturbance in people living with obesity may all be contributing factors,” he said .
Obesity also has several co-morbid NCDs, such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease, which have also been shown to increase the risk of serious COVID-19 consequences.
CARPHA noted that obesity is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors, such as physical inactivity and an unhealthy diet. At the same time, it also highlights the impact of the obese environment, which is usually driven by factors beyond the individual’s control and makes the healthy choice a difficult choice. In addition, he said that people with obesity also face stigma and discrimination because of their weight which can lead to poor emotional well-being, and low self-esteem.
Recognizing that a whole-society approach is needed to reduce the burden of obesity and diet-related NCDs, CARPHA said it continues to support its member states and work with regional and international organizations in an effort to reduce the impact of obesity in the Caribbean region. Initiatives it has led to combat childhood obesity include the Six Point Policy Pack, which identifies priority areas for action on mandatory food labeling, nutritional standards and guidance for schools, and reducing the marketing of unhealthy foods . CARPHA, in collaboration with the Health and Education Ministries in Grenada and Saint Lucia, also implemented school-based intervention to promote healthy environments and diets to prevent obesity and diabetes. He said the intervention, dubbed ‘Reversing the Rise in Childhood Obesity,’ was funded by the World Diabetes Foundation and as part of the project, a recipe book, Kids Can Cook Too, was developed (https://bit.ly / 3cfBdmS) to support healthy children’s healthy eating behaviors.
“No single intervention will combat obesity,” stressed CARPHA, while highlighting the relevance of this year’s theme.
Joining the rest of the world to commemorate “World Obesity Day” to raise awareness and encourage a “whole society approach,” CARPHA urged Caribbean countries to reintroduce their efforts to fight childhood obesity by:
Develop, implement or enforce policies aimed at facilitating the use of healthy diets and increasing physical activity, such as clear and straightforward packaging of packaging.
Combating social stigma associated with obesity
Ensuring access to care for people who need help to maintain a healthy weight
CARPHA said that individuals can do their part by becoming more physically active and reducing salt, fats and sugar consumption and increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. He added that he will continue to assist countries in developing and implementing tools to reduce obesity, especially childhood obesity, as part of its ongoing support to Member States, in cooperation with our development partners. “Our children are our future and they have a right to health. Let us defend it. “Every Body Needs All,” he added.