Message from the Minister of Health, Honourable Dr Frank Anthony
Guyana, just like the rest of the world, will be observing World Obesity Day on March 4, 2024. The theme for this year’s observance is “Let’s Talk About Obesity And…”. This day serves as a unified call to action to encourage a collaborative, cross-sector approach to combat obesity and to gain a deeper understanding of this complex health issue.
In recent years, the global prevalence of obesity has reached alarming levels, posing significant public health challenges worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is a major risk factor for several non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular (heart) disease, stroke, and several types of cancer. In 2021, obesity was responsible for 2.8 million deaths from NCDs in the Americas. In 2022, WHO statistics disclosed that around 37 million children under five globally are affected by being overweight, and over 390 million children and adolescents aged 5–19 years were overweight, including 160 million who were living with obesity. Out of these, 75% live in low- and middle-income countries.
Obesity rates have increased in Guyana in recent years, leading to numerous health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. This alarming trend is mainly due to factors such as urbanisation, changes in dietary patterns, sedentary lifestyles, and socioeconomic disparities. Obesity is a complex condition influenced by various genetic, environmental, behavioural, and societal factors. In Guyana, dietary habits, physical activity levels, socioeconomic status, and cultural norms, are among the risk factors contributing to the high prevalence of obesity. The consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods, combined with a decrease in physical activity, is a significant driver of obesity in Guyana.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) understands the importance of tackling obesity as a serious public health issue. To reduce the risks associated with obesity, the MOH has introduced various initiatives and interventions through its Disease Control Programme. One of these initiatives is to educate the public on how to calculate their Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine their weight status.
BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. Overweight is classified as a BMI of 25 to 29.9 kg/m2, while obesity is classified as a BMI of ≥30 kg/m2. Severe obesity is defined as a BMI ≥40 kg/m2 (or ≥35 kg/m2 in the presence of other health problems). By teaching people how to calculate their BMI, they can use the information to determine what steps they need to take to maintain good health.
There are several ways to combat obesity and related non-communicable diseases. One of them is promoting healthy eating, intermittent fasting and an active lifestyle through educational programs and awareness campaigns. These efforts help people make informed choices in reducing their risk for chronic non-communicable diseases. Additionally, the Ministry has worked with different stakeholders such as schools, workplaces, and civil society organizations to create supportive environments that encourage healthy behaviours and foster a culture of wellness. This multi-sectoral approach demonstrates the MOH’s commitment to addressing the social determinants of obesity and promoting overall health and well-being.
The Ministry of Health has made it a priority to improve healthcare services for the prevention and management of obesity-related conditions. This includes screening and counselling services for obesity in primary healthcare settings, as well as specialised care for individuals with the condition and its associated comorbidities. By strengthening the healthcare system’s capacity to address obesity, the Ministry aims to improve early detection, intervention, and long-term management of the condition, reducing its impact on individuals and the healthcare system as a whole. Health promotion efforts are also being put in place to supplement these interventions.
The Health Ministry is committed to creating policy environments that support healthy choices and behaviours. To achieve this, the Ministry will develop nutrition and physical activity guidelines while enforcing regulatory measures to limit the marketing and consumption of unhealthy food and drinks while promoting the availability of nutritious ones. The Ministry aims to address the root causes of obesity by advocating for policies and collaborating with stakeholders. Ultimately, our goal is to create sustainable changes that encourage a healthy environment for all Guyanese.
On World Obesity Day, let’s prioritize healthy eating and regular physical activity for longer, healthier lives.