Prime Minister Gaston Browne is urging Antiguans and Barbudans to adopt healthier lifestyles as figures show that approximately one in three adults in the country is living with obesity.

In a social media post, Browne called for both individual and collective efforts to address the growing public health concern, encouraging residents to pay closer attention to their diet, physical activity and rest.

“Let’s collectively and individually address this issue of obesity and its attendant health consequences, through diet, exercise and adequate rest,” Browne wrote.

His appeal comes amid regional figures highlighting the prevalence of obesity across the Caribbean.

A graphic published by Times Caribbean placed adult obesity prevalence in Antigua and Barbuda at 34.6 percent. The same figure is listed by Econorama for 2024, citing data from the World Health Organization’s Global Health Observatory.

The WHO’s country dashboard provides a slightly different estimate, showing that 33.2 percent of adults aged 18 and older were living with obesity in 2022, based on age-standardised data.

The figures suggest that obesity affects a significant proportion of the country’s adult population.

The concern also extends to younger residents.

According to the WHO dashboard, an estimated 23.4 percent of children and adolescents between the ages of five and 19 in Antigua and Barbuda were living with obesity in 2022.

That represents nearly one in four children and teenagers in that age group.

Health experts have consistently warned that obesity increases the risk of several serious medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular complications.

The condition can also place additional pressure on healthcare systems because of the long-term treatment and management required for obesity-related illnesses.

Browne’s appeal places renewed attention on the importance of healthier eating habits, regular exercise and adequate sleep in reducing health risks.

With obesity affecting substantial proportions of both adults and children, the figures underscore the need for sustained efforts to promote healthier lifestyles throughout Antigua and Barbuda.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Browne urges action as obesity affects one in three adults in Antigua and Barbuda.