Obesity one of the most serious public health challenges facing VI- Health Minister
On March 4, 2026, the Virgin Islands joined the global community in observing World Obesity Day under the theme, “8 Billion Reasons to Act on Obesity.”
'Quality of life issue'
In his message to mark the day, Hon Wheatley said Obesity is not simply a health issue.
"It is a quality-of-life issue. It affects how long and how well we live. It affects our ability to work and provide for our families, and our ability to provide a solid, healthy foundation to maximise the health and future of our children."
The Health Minister said we must also acknowledge that obesity does not happen in isolation, but it is shaped by our lifestyles, our food choices, our physical activity levels, and even our culture.
"Over time, we have drifted from many of the traditional practices that once kept us active and nourished by fresh, local foods. Today, we are seeing the consequences of those shifts.
Decisive action
The Ministry of Health and Social Development, according to Hon Wheatley, is taking decisive action to address the issue of Obesity through several key initiatives, including introducing the Virgin Islands Eat Well Guide, a practical, culturally relevant resource designed to help residents make healthier food choices using foods that are familiar and accessible to us.
"We are strengthening our Food and Nutrition Surveillance Programme, which allows us to better understand the eating habits and health trends of our population so that our policies and interventions are guided by evidence.
"We are also advancing school feeding guidelines to ensure that our children have access to healthier meals in the school environment, and we are conducting nutrition assessments among our elderly population to better support healthy ageing."
Additionally, the BVI Health Services Authority has launched the Red Loud Campaign targeted at combating kidney disease, diabetes, and hypertension by encouraging early screening, promoting healthier lifestyle choices, and providing the community with vital health education.
"This World Obesity Day, let us recognise that while there may be eight billion reasons to act globally, our most important reasons are right here in The Virgin Islands — our children, our families, and our future. Together, through informed choices and collective action, we can reduce obesity and build a stronger, healthier Virgin Islands.
"I invite each of you to take that first step today," Hon Wheatley stated.
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10 Responses to “Obesity one of the most serious public health challenges facing VI- Health Minister”
Moreover, in regards to obesity, just the other day some fellow classmates and I were saying that when we were going school we didn’t see any schoolmates who were obese. What changed? Let’s take care of ourselves health, our lives, our families.
And most people here don't care to exercise much. Until them see them getting big like a blimp but by that time is almost too late.
Will be a real struggle to shed it off
Plus our stable food here is mainly rice
If we cut out processed carbs and sugar intake to near zero you would say a complete turn around without anyone even having to exercise