Obesity in Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago, a twin-island nation located in Central America and the Caribbean, has been grappling with the issue of obesity among its adult population. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the adult obesity rate in Trinidad and Tobago was 18.6% in 2016, placing the country at 117th position globally in terms of obesity prevalence.

Geography

Trinidad and Tobago is the southernmost island country in the Caribbean, lying northeast of the South American country of Venezuela and south of Grenada in the Lesser Antilles. It shares maritime boundaries with other countries including Barbados to the northeast.

Obesity in Trinidad and Tobago

The issue of obesity has been a growing concern in Trinidad and Tobago. The World Health Organization reported an adult obesity rate of 18.6% in 2016, ranking the country 117th globally. This indicates a significant portion of the population is at risk of obesity-related health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.

Healthcare Facilities

Several healthcare facilities in Trinidad and Tobago offer services aimed at weight loss and managing obesity. These include:

• St. Clair Medical Centre: This is one of the leading private healthcare providers in the country, offering a comprehensive range of services including diet and nutrition counseling.

• West Shore Medical Private Hospital: Located in Port of Spain, this hospital provides a variety of services including weight management programs.

• Trinidad and Tobago Health Promotion Clinic: This clinic offers a range of services aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and managing chronic diseases such as obesity.

Government Initiatives

The government of Trinidad and Tobago has implemented several initiatives to combat obesity. These include public education campaigns about healthy eating and the importance of physical activity, as well as policies aimed at reducing the availability of unhealthy foods in schools.

See Also

• Health in Trinidad and Tobago
• Obesity by country