Obesity in Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau
Flag Coat of arms
Capital	Bissau
Official languages	Portuguese
Government	Semi-presidential republic
• President	Umaro Sissoco Embaló
• Prime Minister	Nuno Gomes Nabiam

Guinea-Bissau, located in West Africa, is a country with a population of approximately 1.8 million people. The official language is Portuguese and the capital city is Bissau. The country is known for its diverse culture, rich history, and natural beauty. However, like many other countries, Guinea-Bissau faces health challenges, including obesity.

According to the World Health Organization, the adult obesity rate in Guinea-Bissau was 9.5% in 2016, ranking it 144th globally. This is a significant health concern as obesity is linked to a number of serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Despite the challenges, there are healthcare facilities in Guinea-Bissau that are dedicated to helping individuals lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. One such facility is the National Public Health Laboratory (LNSP), which offers nutrition counseling and weight management programs. Another is the Simão Mendes National Hospital, the country's largest hospital, which provides a range of healthcare services, including diet and exercise programs for overweight and obese patients.

The government of Guinea-Bissau, along with international partners such as the World Health Organization, is working to address the issue of obesity through various initiatives. These include promoting healthy eating habits, encouraging physical activity, and implementing policies to reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages.