Almost 40% of adults between 25-64 years in VI are obese- Health Minister
This is according to Minster for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) in a statement on World Obesity Day observed on March 4, 2024.
Overweight & obesity problem in primary schools
Hon Wheatley disclosed that the territory’s last assessment by STEPS Risk Factor Survey revealed that almost 40% of adults between the ages of 25-64 years are obese.
The Health Minister said the VI is even seeing the far-reaching hands of obesity at the primary school level, as a 2023 school health assessment indicated that 44% of primary school children are overweight and obese.
"That very scary statistic leaves us to ask the questions how and why? In my opinion, we are becoming more dependent on processed foods, which are usually high in sugars and salt, coupled with inactivity and unhealthy choices that are predisposing our children to obesity at an extremely early age.
“The impact is profound on our health systems, our economy, and most importantly, on the lives of our people. Non-communicable diseases linked to obesity, such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular issues, have become all too common, casting a shadow on the vitality of our community.”
‘We drive everywhere’
Hon Wheatley said sedentary lifestyles play a significant role in the high obesity rates. “Long ago, our forefathers spent their days tilling the soil, walking to their destinations, and eating fresh food from the ground, sea or yard.
“Fast forward to today, we drive everywhere, even if it is within walking distance. This shift in our way of living has taken a toll on our bodies, increasing our susceptibility to obesity and other non-communicable diseases.”
‘Let’s talk about obesity and...’
The Theme for World Obesity Day 2024 was “Let’s talk about obesity and…”
According to Hon Wheatley, this theme “empowers us to have dynamic conversations at every level across the lifecycle. The impact of obesity on Virgin Islanders is a topic that calls for our immediate attention and collective action.”
He said tackling obesity involves reshaping policies, promoting access to nutritious foods, and creating environments that encourage physical activity. Equally important, Hon Wheatley said, is the need to foster a culture of understanding and support, where individuals feel empowered to make healthier choices for themselves and their families.
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33 Responses to “Almost 40% of adults between 25-64 years in VI are obese- Health Minister”
That wiggy is too obvious
And bad food, big plates of rice and meat.
Moreover , Virgin Islanders of the 1930, 1940, 1950s, etc grow up on relatively organic foods, ie, fresh meat, fish, locally grown vegetables, fruits, etc . However, starting in the 1960s, Virgin Islanders started to abandoned the local lifestyle and adopt the lifestyle of the US and other external countries. They VI started growing less food, showing an indifference to agriculture; working in agriculture acquire a stigma. Further, they started favoring imported food which are laded in salt, fat, sugar and calories. Consequently, if the stats have a high level of confidence, 40% of VI residents are obese. This is a change.
In conversing with some older Virgin Islanders on a myriad of topics , including obesity, they opined that during their school days growing up they hardly knew anyone who was obese. The VI has travelled a long way to getting unhealthy and getting back to being healthy will be long road back but must be done.
Unequivocally, an unhealthy nation is a national issue and can become a national security, etc. Moreover, an unhealthy nation definitely puts a strain on a small medical system and is costly. Politicians have a habit of kicking the can down the road, hoping to pin the burden on sucessors. Well, this can is out of road to be kicked; it is jammed at the base of the wall. There is an urgency, a firrce urgency of now to tackle this national issue head on. Human capital is the VI most important resource and it must be treated as such.
The scoff at those who eat provisions - it is poor food and gobble down the processed foor what do you think
But alas, I now search in vain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQHxQkiwVIE
Mind home girl in the picture don't sue for making her the mascot of the article lol cause that's a>>>>.