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Obesity in Jamaicans
Obesity in Jamaicans
One in two Jamaicans is overweight or obese according to the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey III (MOH, 2018). Children and teenagers were included in the survey. A lack of physical activity, inadequate food labeling, and excessive sugar consumption are all factors that contribute to the high obesity rates of Jamaicans. In 2014, obesity was 23.5% prevalent in adults, and 8.3% of children under 5 were overweight (FAO, 2021). Obesity increases the risk of an individual suffering from a non-communicable disease.
Sugary Drinks
Sugary Drinks
About 28% of Jamaicans drink a sugar-sweetened beverage daily (MOH, 2018). Jamaica has a large variety of sugar-sweetened drinks that are popular among citizens of all ages. Sugary drinks are available at school for children as well. The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is linked with childhood obesity (MOH, 2020). These sugary drinks have negative effects on the health of individuals and lead to obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases which are responsible for 80% of all Jamaican deaths (WHO, 2020). The excessive consumption of sugar has been found to cause "liver and kidney damage, heart disease, and some cancers" (HFJ, 2019).
Diabetes
Diabetes
One in eight Jamaicans has diabetes (MOH, 2018). Popular Jamaican foods and drinks contain a large amount of sugar, and the excessive consumption of sugar contributes to the development of diabetes.
A popular Jamaican drink called bag juice.
A popular Jamaican drink called bag juice.
Source: pointsandtravel.com
Dentist Testimonial
Dentist Testimonial
Source: Vital Strategies
Doctor Testimonial
Doctor Testimonial
Source: Vital Strategies
Diabetic Testimonial
Diabetic Testimonial
Source: Vital Strategies
References
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). (2021). FAOSTAT. Retrieved March 24, 2021, from http://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#country/109
Heart Foundation of Jamaica (HFJ). (2019). 81% of Jamaicans support a tax on sugary drinks if revenue supports childhood obesity Prevention programmes. Retrieved March 24, 2021, from https://www.heartfoundationja.org/2019/02/25/81-of-jamaicans-support-a-tax-on-sugary-drinks-if-revenue-supports-childhood-obesity-prevention-programmes/
Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOH). (2020, November 11). Health Ministry prioritises food labelling in battle against NCDS. Retrieved March 24, 2021, from https://www.moh.gov.jm/health-ministry-prioritises-food-labelling-in-battle-against-ncds/
Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOH). (2018). Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey III. Retrieved March 23, 2021, from https://www.moh.gov.jm/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Jamaica-Health-and-Lifestyle-Survey-III-2016-2017.pdf
World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). (Rep.). Retrieved March 23, 2021, from https://www.paho.org/en/documents/jamaica-ncds-progress-monitor-2020
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