Obesity can erode health and economic gains - Tufton

Minister of Health Dr Christopher Tufton said obesity among adults in Jamaica is increasing by one per cent every year, contributing to illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension.

He said if left unchecked, obesity and its consequences can retard and erode health and economic advances made over the last decade.

It is for this reason, he noted that the Government is looking at fiscal measures to prevent obesity and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with a focus on sugar-sweetened beverages.

Delivering the opening address at a scientific symposium staged by the University of Technology last week at the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston, he argued that while the population is conscious of the dangers associated with stroke, heart disease, cancer, and other related ailments, not enough attention is paid to obesity "which is the most important underlying cause of death in Jamaica".

The minister noted that the Government is particularly concerned about children, as the risk of diabetes is several times greater in obese children than those who are non-obese.

"Overweight children also have an increased risk of later becoming obese adults," he added.

Tufton pointed out that diet is central to the prevention of obesity and its consequences.

He said the major contributors to the disease are excessive calories from sugar and fat and attempts should be made to reduce consumption of these items and switch to healthier options such as water, root crops, fruits, and vegetables.

The symposium looked at regulatory measures globally to reduce NCDs, the cost of obesity/NCDs in Jamaica, the University of the West Indies study Trends of sugary drinks in Jamaica (2000-2017), and the use of fiscal policy to enhance public health; among other topics.