Obesity in Palau

Palau

Map of Palau

Palau, officially known as the Republic of Palau, is an island country located in the region of Australia and Oceania. It is composed of approximately 340 islands, forming the western chain of the Caroline Islands in Micronesia. The country's population is around 21,000, spread across 250 islands which form the archipelago.

Obesity in Palau

In 2016, Palau had an adult obesity rate of 55.3%, ranking it third globally. This high rate of obesity is a significant public health concern, as it is associated with a range of chronic diseases including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Causes

The high obesity rate in Palau can be attributed to a number of factors. These include a shift from traditional, locally-grown foods to a diet high in processed and imported foods, a decrease in physical activity, and genetic predisposition.

Healthcare Facilities

To combat the obesity epidemic, several healthcare facilities and programs in Palau are dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles and weight loss. The Belau National Hospital, the main healthcare facility in the country, offers nutrition counseling and weight management programs. The Ministry of Health also runs community-based programs aimed at promoting physical activity and healthy eating.

See also

• Obesity in Oceania
• Health in Palau