Today the Ministry of Health held a consultation conference to talk about controlling Obesity in Belize - which is rated as one of the top 20 fattest countries on earth. The Deputy Director of Health Services told us why they are working with different stakeholders on the plan.
Dr. Francis Murray, Deputy Director of Health Services
"Obesity in our country we basically, currently only have data that goes up to what we did call the CANDIS survey. The survey then showed that we had levels of obesity of more than 48% that was approximately 7 to 10 years ago, so almost half of our population suffers from this condition. The purpose of this strategic plan is also to update that profile."
"Basically the solution to obesity is one that has various factors and so we say that the control of obesity or promotion of a healthy lifestyle begins from the womb and I am basically saying that for example, a female who is pregnant has overweight. We expect that she has a bay that is born healthy and also may be overweight therefore breastfeeding is one of the first things that the Ministry of Health Promotes in regards to giving that child a nutritious supplement."
"Advocating for education in regards to parents advising their children or living a healthy lifestyle."
"Of course as part of the plan there is a sensitization component or an advocacy component in which the community needs to be sensitized as we are saying to control of overweight and obesity begins at our home and therefore we might have challenges along the road. I don't think it will be a smooth road of course but we have to have the support from the community and parents on a larger scale and schools and principals. The ministry of education all need to come on board."
Murray says today was really the first step of looking into the long-term solution. They are working towards launching the program within the next 6 months to one year.
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