(Trinidad Express) A report on the Chronic Non Communicable Diseases (CNCD) risk factor survey carried out in 2011 has shown that more than half of this country’s adult population is overweight or obese.
This was revealed by Minister of Health Dr Fuad Khan yesterday.
Speaking to the media at the launch of the final report of the CNCD Risk Factor or STEPS Survey at the Ministry of Health, Park Street, Port of Spain, Khan said:
“So-called modern lifestyles has led to the unparalleled increase in CNCD’s in the country. Further, 30 per cent to 60 per cent of the population do not achieve the minimum recommended levels of physical activity daily.
“According to the survey, the overall prevalence of smoking was 21 per cent of the population and for alcohol consumption, it was 40 per cent. Compare these results to the finding that 90 per cent of adults do not consume the daily recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables,” Khan said.
A total of 2,724 persons between the ages of 15-64 participated in the population based survey that was carried out from May to September 2011.
Khan said the results of the survey underscore the reason for the increase in chronic non-communicable or lifestyle diseases, which has been observed over the past few years but said although men have always been on the heavier side more women are now becoming obese.
“Although you see a lot of women exercising the obesity rates have increased for women more so than men. They have started at the obese level not just in weight. I think it is because of an increase in the consumption in alcohol, a lack of fruits and an increase in empty calories of the fast food industry.
“CNCDs, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer account for more than half of all deaths in Trinidad and Tobago and in the Caribbean region by extension.
“In order to reverse the trend of CNCDs, tobacco and alcohol consumption must be carefully controlled. Additionally, citizens must commit to making significant lifestyle changes to improve their diets and increase their levels of physical activity,” Khan said.
Khan called on the population to exercise responsibility in their eating and drinking during the Christmas season.
“By all means enjoy the cuisine of the season but do so in moderation. Do not over eat. It is also very important to manage your alcohol consumption. Alcohol, in addition to impairing your judgment—and possibly making you eat more—adds many unnecessary calories to your daily intake,” he said.
Asked whether there was anything the ministry could do with regard to curbing the rise in CNCD, Khan said the Ministry of Health is working in collaboration with the Ministry of Education on a national dietary plan for schools and that government is also working on a policy to deal with the advertising of alcohol and fast foods.
The details of the policy, he said, would be revealed in 2013.
Khan said his own fight-the-fat campaign was going very well. He goes to the gym every day and spends about 45 minutes to an hour and had lost ten lbs over six months.
He said the last time he had lost 40 lbs in six months but he wanted to do it slower this time because when weight is lost quickly there is a tendency to regain it just as quickly.
