Childhood obesity an important issue: Bostic
BY 2030, it is estimated that 50 per cent of the children in this country would be obese.
This approximation was given during remarks which were delivered by Minister of Health and Wellness, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bostic, at the launch of the Childhood Obesity Advocacy Campaign at the Frank Collymore Hall, Central Bank yesterday.
He said that henceforth, this is an important issue for this island where stakeholders in the healthcare sector continue to look at avenues to reduce the high incidence of obesity among the younger population, which at the last statistics provided in 2010, stood at around 32.5 per cent.
“Childhood obesity is an important issue in Barbados due to its impacts and the clear evidence for a range of cost-effective strategies to reduce the burden on individuals and the society. It is reported by researchers of the University of the West Indies that in 1987, 8.5 per cent of Barbadian school children were obese. In 2010, the number was 32.5 per cent and in 2030, it is projected to be 50 per cent. The impacts of obesity on health encompass issues such as increased risk of adult obesity and increased risk of non-communicable diseases such as musculoskeletal disorders, and cancers such as endometrial, breast and colon, as well as likelihood of depression and anxiety.”
Lt. Bostic stated that there are many factors that lead to children becoming obese such as genetics, poor eating practices and the lack of exercise. This is made worse by the advertising and distribution of unhealthy foods. However, the good news on a global front is that this is an issue that can be tackled and Barbados plans to do this as well.
“Obesity is driven by various issues such as genetics, eating practices and physical activity levels. Determinants of physical activity include physical education at school, safe public spaces, sidewalks, ‘screen time’ and other drivers of sedentariness. Eating practices are influenced by health literacy, the home environment, food systems for production and distribution including marketing. Fortunately, there are encouraging developments locally and internationally including the experiences of other countries in reducing childhood obesity which indicate that we are able to deal effectively with the challenge.”
In this regard, the Ministry of Health and Wellness in collaboration with their partners would continue to explore such areas as breastfeeding education and monitoring the growth and development of children.
“The Ministry therefore recognises that the most feasible option for address the issue is prevention. Our efforts as a Ministry are driven by an understanding that childhood obesity risk begins before birth and therefore that various stakeholders have important roles to play in addressing the issue. Across the healthcare provision in Barbados antenatal and postnatal care including early breastfeeding initiation, post-delivery, growth and development assessments in early life with referrals to nutritionists and paediatricians as needed, as well as promoting physical activity in school and other settings.”