Obesity in Kiribati

Obesity in Kiribati is a significant health issue. In 2016, the adult obesity rate in Kiribati, a country located in Australia and Oceania, was 46%, ranking it 9th globally.

Overview

Kiribati, an island nation in the Central Pacific, is part of the region of Australia and Oceania. The country has a high prevalence of obesity among adults, with a rate of 46% in 2016. This places Kiribati as the 9th highest country globally in terms of adult obesity rate.

Causes

The high obesity rate in Kiribati can be attributed to a number of factors including a shift from traditional foods to more processed, high-fat and high-sugar imported foods, a decrease in physical activity, and genetic predisposition.

Healthcare Facilities

There are several healthcare facilities in Kiribati that offer services to help individuals lose weight and manage their obesity. These include:

• Tungaru Central Hospital: The main healthcare facility in the country, it offers a range of services including diet and nutrition counseling.
• Betio Hospital: Located in the densely populated area of Betio, this hospital also provides diet and nutrition services to help manage obesity.

Efforts to Combat Obesity

The government of Kiribati, in collaboration with international organizations such as the World Health Organization, has implemented various initiatives to combat obesity. These include promoting physical activity, encouraging healthy eating habits, and providing education on the risks associated with obesity.

See Also

• Health in Kiribati
• Obesity by country