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St. Lucia
– The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs joins the global community in observing World Obesity Day under the theme: “Changing Systems, Healthier Lives”,emphasizing the urgent need for systemic action to combat the rising obesity epidemic.
Obesity remains a significant health concern worldwide, increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. In Saint Lucia, data indicates that approximately 65% of adults aged 18-69 are either overweight or obese. This highlights the importance of targeted interventions to address unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, and environmental factors contributing to obesity.
Chief Nutritionist Lisa Hunt in the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to primary prevention and policy-driven action. “To effectively combat obesity, we must go beyond individual choices and reshape the systems that influence our health. This means strengthening policies that ensure access to nutritious foods, restricting unhealthy food marketing to children, and promoting physical activity within schools, workplaces, and communities,”she noted.
As part of this year’s observance, the Ministry introduces the national subtheme, “Healthy Systems, Healthy Bodies, Healthy People,”reinforcing the need for a whole-of-society approach. The Ministry continues to advocate for structural and fiscal policies such as taxation on unhealthy food products, incentives for healthier food options, and stronger regulations to create healthier food environments.
Lisa Hunte further emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration. “A healthier nation requires coordinated efforts from all sectors, education, agriculture, commerce, and the private sector. By implementing sustainable food systems, improving urban planning for active lifestyles, and fostering a culture of health-conscious decision-making, we can create lasting change and reduce the burden of obesity related diseases,”explained, Chief Nutritionist Hunt.
The Ministry calls on all stakeholders to support health-promoting initiatives, ensure healthy food availability, and foster active lifestyles across Saint Lucia.
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