Dominica has the highest obesity prevalence in EC – Reports

Dominica has the highest obesity prevalence in the Eastern Caribbean reports from the World Bank are showing.

Two reports, which targeted Jamaica and the Eastern Caribbean, reveal that chronic “non-communicable diseases” such as heart disease, obesity and diabetes are the leading cause of death in the Caribbean and their rapidly increasing share of health expenditures in the region could threaten economic growth.

The reports targeted Dominica as having the highest obesity prevalence of both sexes in the Eastern Caribbean. It is projected that 38.4 percent of males and 63.5 percent of females will be obese by 2015.

The reports reveal that these diseases can be traced to individual risk factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use and alcohol abuse.

The reports also show that in St Lucia and Jamaica patients spend, on average, one third of household income on healthcare services and pharmaceutical services,

The World Bank mobilized $95-million for Caribbean countries’ health, nutrition and population in 2011.

In 2010 Dominica was ranked 11 of the 20 most obese countries on earth by the World Health Organization.

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141 Comments

  1. Mark Hunter
    February 11, 2016

    It is the time to concern ourselves with the fitness, vigor and energy of our children because our children represent what we identify as the best of Dominica!

    The growing obesity of Dominica – particularly the children – should be a matter of concern for us all! A country is as strong as its citizens! Clearly mental and physical health, mental and physical vigor, go hand-in-hand.

    These days Dominican’s are largely spectators except for a few who are out in the field, jogging among our spectacular and inspiring venues, or exercising vigorously to a carefully calculated program. I believe it’s time for all Dominicans to be participants rather than spectators.

    It starts with the youth and forging the healthy habits of our youth! As a nation we must inspire our youth to participate fully in a vigorous life – And as they grow older, cultivating in them a desire to maintain their fitness and vitality throughout their life.

    • Mark Hunter
      February 11, 2016

      Without this inspired attitude towards our physical health a social structure will collapse under the weight of the resulting medical complications and poor health. Health and fitness is maintained only when we give some of our time, energy and efforts in maintaining our physical vitality!

      This is a subject that should be of great interest to us all. I have seen astonishing results – all within a few months – in places that have picked up the cause of physical fitness among the youth. I have seen where people have been able – in the short space of two or three months – the change the physical habits and strength of school children. And I have seen how these examples quickly and widely spread school-to-school across the United States of America in the 1960’s immediately after President John F Kennedy issues a Fitness Challenge Proclamation to the nations youth.

      If all of us participate in the health and vitality of the youth around us – to lead by example and implement…

  2. PK
    November 22, 2011

    Maybe you should look at this study: http://www.fao.org/docrep/013/am321e/am321e00.pdf

  3. November 21, 2011

    THE INFLUENCE OF AMERICAN TELVISION
    when I was growing up, we went outside from morning running, paying, climbing,and in the river trying to swim and eating fruits all day.. Now DA children on Facebook and computer games no exercise. I live in American…Obesity is killing Americans…DOMINICANS DONT FOLLOW AMERICA…

    • Me
      February 12, 2016

      What a frail excuse to be fat. Don’t we have a choice anymore? If we we following American or any other people means we would be 2nd to them, not first. Wake people and do something about it instead of blaming it on someone else

  4. Roz
    November 21, 2011

    I myself is grapefruit, orange, banana, avocado, eggplant, string beans, cabbage, carrot, pumpkin, corn, grilled lean meats for me.

  5. Zandoli
    November 21, 2011

    THIS IS AS RESULT OF DOMINICANS DESIRE FOR FOREIGN FOODS AND REFUSAL TO EAT AND EMBRACE LOCAL FOODS….

    ALSO DUE TO IGNORANCE AS WELL…HOW COULD A GLASS OF COCONUT WATER, OR PASSIONFUIT JUICE OR WATER EVER BE REPLACED BY BUSTA, COCO-COLA, FUITA ETC… WE ARE PAYING A GREAT PRICE MY FIREND……

    • dominican
      November 21, 2011

      Local foods don’t help as they are not prepared in the most healthy manner. Most local places stew meat as well as cook with lots of oil. Pallau and the like are not healthy

      • true dpminican
        November 21, 2011

        We have been eating these foods all of our lives and never had obesity problems. pallau is one of creole foods. give me a break. We no long exercise. There are more vehicles on the street and means people have chosen to drive instead of walking and also the lack of uses of the natural products in the market; please don’t tell me the food products are expensive because KFC is twice as expensive

  6. Food & Nutrition Ed
    November 21, 2011

    Its time the government uses its channel to engage in some serious health and nutriton promotions by qualified people who can explain the how, why, when and if of nutrition. We will be a very unhealthy nation and we will pay dearly in the long run. Nutrition education should begin in primary schools and reinforced at every oppportunity.

  7. DAT U HEAR WI
    November 21, 2011

    afos some people da make me vex.dey jus say one lil ting n everybody jumpin on KFC back. iz kfc along dat makin ppl fat wat about the alcohol. and stop all that talk about thick gurls .wat plenty man like dem thickerz errbody nut da same

  8. maggie
    November 21, 2011

    Actually eat healthy is not that spends eve, what happen is that we like the greasy stuff. LOL!!! :lol:

  9. Adult ED
    November 21, 2011

    While one can argue economics has a major impacts on ones access to healthy foods, in Dominica this does not hold true since most of the cheaper foods are in fact more healthy for consumption. So then why Dominicans are rated so high for obesity? The obvious is in the choice to eat less nutritious and more fatty foods in addition to drinking a lot of juices though from natural fruits but with a significant high amount of sugar. Dominicans also tend to eat large portions at one seating while in some cases that may be due to having two or less meals a day it impact can be detrimental: The body in such cases operate to compensate for such eating habits by storing more fat functioning so as to protect the body from depleting valuable nutrients. White bread and fried chicken form part of the staple diet in Dominica. There is also evidence of a lack of participation in the most basic of physical activities like walking and jogging. While high fat foods and drinks high in sugar taste better than the healthier option such foods have a negative impact on the body both physically and emotionally thus directly related physical conditions like obesity and disease like diabetes and cardiovascular dysfunction. Most significantly these choices are attributed to negative attitudes or ignorance. People believing that obesity is a sign of good living (having unlimited access to foods compare to others), women conforming to men’s wishes of having a woman with more than an average size butt or breast size, people believing that being able to afford the less healthy foods somehow elevates ones status in society (higher status if you can afford it) and the belief that the healthy choice is only necessary for athletes or sports persons. The findings in this article is timely and gives the obese population of Dominica the opportunity to critically analyze their eating habits and evaluate their attitudes and beliefs hence reverse their present health status for the better by making healthier choices. In additions to these individual directives a government campaign for healthier choices would be very effective.

  10. :-(
    November 20, 2011

    We need to boycott those KFC, Pizza Hut, and all those other non-sense those profiteering entrepreneurs bringing to our Nature Isle.
    I’m sure they don’t eat those junk cause I see them running all the time on the Jimmit Highway toward Layou. They killing us slowly.

    • Cerberus.
      November 21, 2011

      We have a tendency to blame our ills on others and don’t want to take resposibility for our actions and this is no exception. Nobody is forcing our people to eat fast food. They do so willingly, they are not force-fed KFC chicken & fries or Perky’s pizza. Are you telling us we are zombies?

  11. D A crying
    November 20, 2011

    Hit it to dem son of the the saint.

  12. Anonymous
    November 20, 2011

    sad

  13. boney
    November 20, 2011

    WELL WHAT YOU EXPECT LOOK AT THE PAGE ALL JUNK FOOD, DOMINICANS DON’T EAT HEALHY FOODS IF YOU KEEP EATING JUNK FOOD, WHAT YOU EXPECT, PEOPLE THINK THAT IF THEY DONT EAT CRAP FOOD THEY NOT WITH THE INCROWD. i AM DOMINICAN LIVING IN LONDON ANDI AM ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE THEY SAY THAT STILL LIVEIN THE STONE AGE FOR ME BIG MAC,FRIED CHICKEN AND CHIPS, PIZZA SUB WAY FOODS IS A POISON, AS ONE WOMAN SAID, DONT ASK ME FOR FOOD I WILL COOK IT FOR THEM

  14. ................
    November 20, 2011

    Our National Dish
    should be “Bread”

    • Anonymous
      November 20, 2011

      No boy.. dry fig and water…NO Obesity! Leave the ham and turkey and the others for Skerro,Blackmoo,Ambruise,Reggi,TimTim,Darru,and the rest of the cabal.

      • dominican
        November 21, 2011

        Fig is high in starch which breaks down to sugar.

      • true dominican
        November 21, 2011

        why we always have to include the government official in every thing that is sometimes our fault? I don’t understand. I know you are trying to be funny but this is a very serious issue.

        We have to take responsibility for our own actions and observe this issue as something we should address immediately

  15. ?????
    November 20, 2011

    The women and them say Dominican men like big obese women when they walking for theit bottom to be making VLAW, VLAW, VLAW, VLAW VLAW..So every Dominican women want a VLAW VLAW bottom, even if it takes them to the cemetry….Don’t say is me that say eh…Is that i heard two women saying at KFC the other day! OK

    • Anonymous
      November 21, 2011

      :lol: So funny and so true. Same here in London. They complain you fat, but they love the tehteh and de bodah! Sakweh tonneh!

  16. Anonymous
    November 20, 2011

    Everyone is fat/obesse/go/patan/ even the nurses and doctors.when you are in shape, they tell you how you meg, YOU THIN, YOU NOT DRINKING SAUCE,you will break, the wind will blow you away like a biscuit, you are a gullet coco,you are a pitchet,you have malnutrition,you malad,what you exercising for,they dont like thin people..So TO HELL WITH THEM!..Dominica is a case by itself…

  17. Dominican
    November 20, 2011

    Why is it that every single topic is related to politics and the labour party? We reach a point where we no longer even see or hear what is going on, so obsessed are we with politics. This story is about obesity. I guess we should blame Obama for all the obesity in the USA as well.

    People, we are fat because of our choices. OUR CHOICES. KFC and the overall sale of fried chicken is so successful here because we CHOOSE to eat it. Processed juices and drinks are successful because we CHOOSE to drink it. We CHOOSE not to exercise and instead flop around on the sofa watching TV. We leave the bananas and fruit and CHOOSE to eat pasta and tons of bread. We CHOOSE to let ourselves believe that fat is beautiful because it would take too much effort to live a healthy life.

    Let us see where we all are at fault and then CHOOSE to live healthy lifestyles. I’m sure we all want to be healthy and ready to work when we win (or lose) the next election.

    • T
      November 20, 2011

      Get a life.Your fool… Everything is influenced by politics.Go and take your complaint to Skerrit and tell him to stop his rubbish programme on the other station where the hosts are referring to Dominicans as animals.

      • Dominican
        November 20, 2011

        lol – ok papa

  18. Gaza
    November 20, 2011

    true you doh see the amount of fat people it have they bigger than cow but they by KFC everyday…PIG

  19. Malatete
    November 20, 2011

    So things not that bad then. People not working but obiously not starving. Perhaps they mistake obsity for kwashiorkor?

  20. One Love
    November 20, 2011

    8-O PASTA & RAMEN

  21. ?
    November 20, 2011

    psalms 107:18 Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death. Why make excuses for people not trying to help themselves. We developed a toxic life-style causing harm to our bodies consuming every thing approve by the FDA, not reading the lable for the amount of calories.

    • ?
      November 20, 2011

      8)

    • Malatete
      November 20, 2011

      …keep on rambling.

  22. Irie
    November 20, 2011

    One afternoon, while I was in town I see a sexy slim chick passing in her exercise clothes, shortly after she passed by two ‘thick’ chicks started giggling and sneering making comments like ‘exercise she going to exercise? She so meg already! She will disappear papa!’

    I just shake my head because I know a lot of obese people in Dominica, their problem stems from a combination of a bad lifestyle a bad attitude and delusion! You constantly see some big fat girls squeezed into skin tight clothes looking like de scene of a crime!

    Personally, if a woman not at her ideal BMI (Body Mass Index), I am not interested. I doh cultivating my 8 pack for nothing!

    I believe tyres should only be found on a vehicle not on a human being. Too many Women thick they nice and sexy with all that lard swinging about. Is not thick you thick, you obese, go on diet and excercise at least 3 times a week!

    • observer
      November 20, 2011

      well good for yiu but FYI skinny chicks have TIRES TOOOO!!!!!

      • Irie
        November 21, 2011

        The more fat you carry around your waist region the higher your chances of stroke and heart disease, is why I doh want my chick to have tyres. Skinny? I never used the word, I said slim, as in streamlined from head to toe, no tyres at all!!!!

    • DF4LYFE
      November 21, 2011

      @Irie, I agree with your sentiment 100%..I truly think much of the blame for overweight women in D’ca should in some sense be place on the men.Because the men is settling for less that’s why we’ve those D’can women thinking they hot stuff with a gut hanging over their pants..I do notice once them same fellas come to America,Uk,Canada they get themselves a slim pretty woman since D’ca women are limited them man are stuck with those big fat women

    • Evadne Richards
      November 22, 2011

      It is very disturbing to be made aware of this obese condition in our lovely Dominican women.To tell the truth, I have access to a lot of tasty foods in Canada, but I am far more aware of the need for a long healthy life, which no one but I can promote. There is no doubt that Dominicans and Caribbean people on a whole cook some great foods such as souce, palau, stewed chicken, calalou,pig tail soup, henwen sore, lamo wi, but we have to remember to eat less of these foods and space them with salads,green bananas, fruit and water. We cannot afford to live carelessly; there are too many opportunities waiting for us to fulfill our purpose in the earth. Food will always be there, but life can be too short if we abuse our lovely Dominican bodies.

  23. HMM
    November 20, 2011

    no love for the fat ones lol

  24. JB
    November 20, 2011

    I saw five nurses on TV a little while back when they made news and I knew then that we in serous trouble.

    I mean 65 % of our women now have no waistline.

    The Dominican men will soon be marrying the girls from Dominican Republic and maybe the Chinese girls.

    We have a social criis people!

  25. me
    November 20, 2011

    That is no suprize. before we knew of Ballheads, or buying a broth in the market. Right now everywhere you go is KFC boxes, Pizza hut junk. We have lost our way when it comes to health and come taking in all that junk, especially from KFC. The are wel situated by the market so the poor farmers can run there for a quick bite. That should never even be in Dominica. Eat on dominicans, eat on. KFC, KFC, KFC. We will know later or should i say, we are getting the results. I am not saying KFC is all we have to blame but it plays the biggest part.

  26. Eagle Eyed
    November 20, 2011

    Close down kentucky fry chicken and pizza outlets. undertake a robust health education programme to inform people of what best to eat and the value of exercise. Dominica have enough fresh fruit and vegetables to keep our nation healthy. People should go back to basics and take time to cook proper food rather than relying on all those fast food outlets. Schools should promote healthy eating and exercise as part of the core curriculum. If we can do all that we stand a chance of reversing this trend before 2015.
    A year ago i was bordering om 20 stones but with the help of a dietitian and more physical activity i am now down to just under 15 stones. At just over 6 foot 2 inches, i feel much healthier and happier with my life style.
    I used myself as prime example to show that it can be done.

  27. OIL
    November 20, 2011

    even before kfc we we fat,so dont play the blame game people,its not kfc alone that selling junk food smh

  28. time for truth
    November 20, 2011

    What in the world does KFC have to do with obesity in Dominica? Although I am not a supporter of KFC I cannot blame it on them. They have been in Dominica for less than 20 years and I know my mom who is 83yrs old has never tasted KFC and yet she is diabetic, her 5 brothers and 5 sisters are all diabetic and most of them have never tasted KFC. Also, I know young people in their 3o’s who are obese and some of them never had KFC.

    Our problem is we eat a lot of starchy foods, we don’t exercise often enough, we drink a lot of sodas, eat too much white bread, too much chemicals we use on our gardens now where most people don’t even weed their gardens anymore; they simply use gramoxone to spray their weeds. Also,our intake of greens such as vegetables is just too low. We need to eat more fish instead of the amount of injected chickens and meats we import. These are just some of the things that are hurting us.

    No doubt in years to come KFC and Pizza will contribute significantly to that although are already contributing but we cannot just blame it on KFC.

    • me
      November 20, 2011

      Good to know your family do not eat KFC and they should keep that up but, KFC might not give you diabetes but i will make you obese……….VERY FAT

  29. Anonymous
    November 20, 2011

    As far as i am concerned KFC don’t have anything to do with that. Too much dasheen, tannia, green bananas, yam, and all the rest – don’t forget farine and pear, and breadfruit. When a dominican eat a broth it have to have 10 pieces of provision in it – starch starch and more starch. Apparently dominicans are not recognising that starch break down into sugars and fat!!! No matter how organic your food is, if you eat a whole plate of ground provision a day, you will get fat! Dominicans fat long before KFC there. just check out the carnival pictures of the 80’s. Poverty my foot!!!

    • me
      November 20, 2011

      we have been eating dasheen, tania yam and green bananas for a long long long long long time and it was not that bad, so doh come there with your bullshit…… That foolish KFC thing killing all you slowly and you all not seeing it. eating 3 weeks old chicken which weighs 10 pounds plus loaded with steriods.

  30. comment
    November 20, 2011

    That report is inaccurate!!!

    • :-(
      November 20, 2011

      Stop living in self denial!!

  31. Just saying
    November 20, 2011

    Visited DA recently and was shocked at the high rate of diabetis and hypertension on the island..

  32. Report
    November 19, 2011

    See
    http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTLAC/Resources/NCDsOECD.pdf

    Figure 13 on page 29 in this report shows Dominica with the highest figures out of the 6 OECS countries reported.

    and Page 27 says
    “Dominica has had the highest obesity prevalence in both gender groups in the region. About 38.4 percent of males and 65.3 percent of females are estimated to be obese by 2015”

    Also Table 11 on Page 55 says
    “Dominica is the country with the highest overweight prevalence among all OECS members – 75.6 percent (males) and 84.5 percent (females) in 2010. The adult obesity has been on the increase from 21.4 percent (males) and 50 percent (females) in 2002 to 31.5 percent and 60 percent respectively in 2010. It is estimated that the obesity rates will be 38.4 percent (males) and 65.3 percent (females) by 2015.”

    • c.bruce
      November 20, 2011

      WHAT A SHAME
      NATURE ISLAND OF THE CARIBBEAN

  33. hmmm
    November 19, 2011

    Someone please tell me what poverty have to do with obesity? Poor people usually eat healthier (look at the slaves) b/c they cannot afford fast food (KFC). Its about portioning and rashons for them.

    Chicken first of all your body doesn’t digest it rots in your stomach. So if you know the chicken old, then don’t eat it. You can get protein else where.

    unhealthy weight is: belly weight, arms, neck, face.

    • Just saying
      November 20, 2011

      You need to be educated on the subject.

    • Anonymous
      November 20, 2011

      Stop your nonsense and listen to and view the news..FOOLISHNESS !!! Poor people can’t eat,less still for eating healthy.

  34. Anonymous
    November 19, 2011

    PM self getting fat too. He converting all our money into calories.

    • c.bruce
      November 19, 2011

      hahahhhhaaaaaa hahhhh

      hahah lol nice one

      • him
        November 20, 2011

        Corruption has a lot of fat in it you know..!!

    • dislike dumbasspeeps
      November 20, 2011

      But what I don’t unerstand from this report is:

      “The reports also show that in St Lucia and Jamaica patients spend, on average, one third of household income on healthcare services and pharmaceutical services.”

      How does someone spend 1/3 of his/her income on healthcare and pharmaceuticals..so 1/3 of these people are sick or they just take care of themselves properly with added pharma.
      You said it at the begining But what I don’t unerstand from this report is: 1/3 of income does not translate to 1/3 population.You are superimposing either you don’t get it or you are a retard big time.I guess if I try this with you you might read it wrong too.If I were to tell A Banana boat lives Portsmouth ,Dominica to Portsmouth in England and take four(4) days.Then if i were to ask how many days will four(4 )ships take you may say 1 day.Then if I were to jokingly ask how long will 16 ships take you most likely will say 1/4 day or 6 hours. right?Wikileaks is precise you know!Change ur name partner Ilogicalleaks or Dumbass/ shitheadleaks.Sarah Palin is ur mother?

      • Man in Dominica
        November 20, 2011

        $$ spent on healthcare is a separate statistic in the reports. They counted that in addition to figuring out obesity and disease rates. It’s just kind of out of place in this new story about the report because it doesn’t relate to the health in Dominica issue, nor are we told how much Dominicans spend on healthcare.

    • Let em go
      November 20, 2011

      Rosie went too soon then Pierro heart began to act up and he left us too soon too.Now the migrated DFP-ite turn DLP leadergetting super fat face round cannot cover two blocks well without panting.His going would be welcomed instead of the previous two.Whatabout the two sick ones the two charles’s?going soon but are they obese?

      • Anonymous
        November 20, 2011

        Wow!

    • ................
      November 20, 2011

      HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

    • me
      November 20, 2011

      You neva sii dee blaak jeep in dee drive froo……ha ha ha ha…..dey not bying it for dare self,dey buying it for dee PM…..lol lol lol lol lol…..

  35. Truth B Told
    November 19, 2011

    We will soon lose a generation to these CNC
    D’s. All secondary schools in Dominica are selling carbonated drinks to our students EVERY DAY. Yes the schools. Those who are supposed to know better. They claim that it is the only source of revenue that the schools have.

  36. November 19, 2011

    YES I!
    REGINALD AUSTRIE LOOKING GOOD

    • ?????
      November 20, 2011

      He is swimming in money!

      • c.bruce
        November 20, 2011

        HEHEH HEHE HEHEH
        SO TRUE
        LOOKING LIKE HE DROWNIN IN IT TOO.
        ALL D MONEY GOING IN HIS STOMACH

    • Diasporan
      November 20, 2011

      Like an earlier writer I too was startled by the % of obese brothers and sisiters on the island.I left DA in 1981 at age 18 for college and only returned 5 times. My most recent visit was last yr. It’s a fact,I have changed and so has my place of birth. Not only are people are less friendlier greedier more materialist but the landscape has change so is the social, political consciencnessand to a large degree physicalfitness.i recall my days at DGS soccer track and field cricket etc was a stapleand that extended to winsor parks rivalries and a sociallly concsiencness of physical fitness and above board sound nutrition more so amongst the youth.Today it’s just a dream of my momeories onf living and growing up D/can.We walked everywhere not maily because there were much ,much less cars etc we had bikes too and that was working out.DA is a whole new country.High blood pressure has always been around but not as prevalent as it hs become so to is DM 1 &2. Ignorance anda don’t care attitude has replaced commonsense and item in scarce supply before let alone today. There is access to the internet more knowledge is a vailable but we seem sillier than before except for a few whose parent are from my generation who curb their kids and are doing well in many a sphere. but generally ignorance and self centeredness is heighted so are the non communicable diseases and sadly to say it ain’t going no place.

  37. iloveme
    November 19, 2011

    Poverty . . . to a lesser extent.
    Those “poor” people all have vehicles and refuse to walk one block unless they really, really must.
    Those ‘poor’ people will eat 3 big whole legs with an xtra large soft drink because they ‘dont have time’ to cook or clean but can spend endless hours watching soaps and ‘delicious’ food advertisements on TV.
    We need to let people know that they are not following a proper lifestyle.
    So next time an Obese person tell you:
    ” . . and I does hardly eat anything non”
    Maybe you should response:
    ” . . me to oui, that’s why I look so fit and trim and you look so Huge and shapeless”
    Obviously, many of us will need work to look Fit and Trim before we can respond that way!!

  38. djx
    November 19, 2011

    i think they made a mistake or mabe i not in da. i belive is da that have more slim trim and sexy people in the world . that one is a suprise to me

    • Stay offline
      November 20, 2011

      I am almost certain you haven’t got a passport.No wonder you chatting so much phat.Look like you letting off SNARTS farts and and sneezes simultaneously.where have you been to make such silly comments? if you live in P/mouth you go Roseau hence would identify all the little communes along the way. I am certain when you get to Roseau is shop and back to Posse not even going further SW to Newtown.Da have the slimest peeps in the world my butt!

  39. BattleRoyale
    November 19, 2011

    we have more women than men and still a higher percentage of women may become obese soon? And here I was thinking women take better care of their bodies…

  40. Anonymous
    November 19, 2011

    I KNOW OUR POPULATION IS SMALL.
    I KNOW ITS OUR CULTURE TO ASSOCIATE BEING “THICK” WITH BEING HEALTHY.
    BUT STILL….
    I don’t believe that report is accurate.
    How did they arrive at this? Was it from our recent census? I can not remember they asking for my height and weight or waist circumference. I NEED FACTS DNO, THIS CAN NOT BE CORRECT. There is a similar report stating that we are one of the lowest. ???????

    • Suprem
      November 19, 2011

      yo, its true… I left Dominica 4 years ago and when I come back I’m like wtf so many fat…

    • Dude
      November 20, 2011

      It’s easy to compile this data, is the numbers that counts here. The key statement is:

      “Physical inactivity levels are high and females are less physically active than males. The degree of physical inactivity has been steadily increasing due to growing urbanization and sedentary lifestyles.”

      NCD is the main cause of death in Dominica and it’s rate is increasing.

      Also people in search of a better life/ prosperity tend to eat healthier and be more health conscious. So not only do we have a BRAIN DRAIN….. In other words the people who remain in Dominica are either ….. or ….or both.. just kidding :)

  41. MAMPEE BATTY RYDER
    November 19, 2011

    THINGS MUST BE GOOD IN DOMINICA PAL!!!!! ALL THAT DASHEEN AND FIG ALL YOU EATING IS GOOD YOU KNOW BUT EATING TOO MUCH OF IT ALL AT ONCE IS NOT!! I THINK IT IS THE BEST TIMES FOR THE PM TO STEP IN AND DO SOMETHING OUI PAL.. ALL THEM WOMAN WITH GWO TAI TAI AND GWO BODA IS A BLESSED SIGHT YOU KNOW BUH TOO MUCH MEAT ON THE ARMS MAN IS LIKE A ARM BURGER THEY WANNA MAKE OUII,, IF YOU SEE THEM WALKING IN ROSEAU WITH BOOMBOOM SWAYING AND GWAJAYING THEIR PANTY WHOLE!! IMAGINE LOSE THE WEIGHT IN THE TUMMY AND ARMS BUT KEEP THE TAI TAI AND BOOMBOOM!! MAMPEE BATTY IS ALWAYS WELCOME BUT MAMPEE WOMAN CAN WALK HOME!! :mrgreen:

  42. Out of the Box!!!
    November 19, 2011

    The problem is that too much bread is being consumed in Dominica. Bread for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus snack time.

    All bread places in Dominica making money.

    Then we love soft drinks for so. Even if stores and shops close down at night Dominicans going to those dispenser machines at 2:00 a.m. to buy soft drinks in Roseau. I not advertising for nobody but everybody knows where they are in town.

    But that aside, our fundamental problem is the cost of living in this Country. Things needed to eat healthy is toooo expensive and the salaries as we all know is small in Dominica. So rice does stretch for d month, plus we can get a hand of fig, plantain, a $5.00 dasheen plus a breadfruit a friend will give us. But all that is starch. And is these things that getting us fat plus our little galbanzoo and Hillsborough.

    On top of that we in Dominica have the wrong idea of looking good. If our collarbones showing we think we meg and marga and man will not look at us. Those men self like to see women looking thick.

    So what solution can we come up with? Well for starts we can lower our food import bill by growing most of the healthy foods ourselves in Dominica and create more employment in Agriculture and agro processing.

    Two benefits will immediately be realized: we will retain more foreign exchange and become a net exporter of Agricultural produce and even Agro processed items.

    Also we have a very good substitute for all that soft drinks in Dominica. It is called Coconut water. We can even bottle coconut water and encourage all restaurants and fast foods to make coconut water available to customers. Again we can create employment with our coconut water. At $2.00 and in some cases $2.50 a jelly coconut water can become a very good business for the average Dominic an man and woman without a lot of education. Farmers can sell these coconuts to retailers who are prepared to climb the trees for a dollar while the retailer can still make a dollar plus as his profit. So that to my mind is a win-win right there for small business and the supply chain.

    Now another thing is that everybody wants to buy a transport because bus drivers not that reliable but these vehicle owners after buying those secondhand cars from wherever doh have nuff money for healthy food and so is bread and more starch they consuming!!!! Because of this they cannot even drive well at nights, because one of the first things obesity does rub off is your sight and is every year you have to replace glasses then is doctor bill for blood clots in foot, regular blood pressure test , sugar test , urine test.
    Why violence is on the increase in Dominica? That is because we are all getting hyper and agitated very easily because of that high increase of sugar in our blood stream and that does further trigger an adrenaline rush in our blood and so more hormones in our blood stream and causing our arteries to harden with bad cholesterol that can make us light headed, dizzy, and short of breath that leads to stroke and heart failure.

    If we have a proper public transport system that reliable we as a Nation can spend less on importing cars and eat healthier and invest in a back yard garden or save our money for retirement. Our government technicians need to balance revenue collection from those imported vices and having a healthier Nation that is productive for the long-term. Anytime we as a Nation cannot get 35 to 50 years of productive service from our educated workforce then we are throwing money down the drain in our man power planning needs.
    Just some thoughts

  43. tiny
    November 19, 2011

    it is very difficult…..’m gonna start taking a substance to help me with with weight loss/muscle growth… and i only have about 10 to 12 lbs too lose…they say that it’s all natural…if it works then I’ll post the name of the product on here….

    so my people don’t let your kids follow your path….train them up properly…exercise is very important….you can ride along while they run…or take them to the beach and let them run certain distance at least 3 times a week…help them develop good habit….there is nothing wrong with fried foods and sweets but everything should be in moderation…pay attention to what they eat…raise health conscious kids

  44. WIKILEAKS
    November 19, 2011

    Yeah man inacaticity is killing us in DA…even though we have the steepest hills to climb to get to our homes, that alone is not enuff.

    But what I don’t unerstand from this report is:

    “The reports also show that in St Lucia and Jamaica patients spend, on average, one third of household income on healthcare services and pharmaceutical services.”

    How does someone spend 1/3 of his/her income on healthcare and pharmaceuticals..so 1/3 of these people are sick or they just take care of themselves properly with added pharma.

    I do a physical annually and if anything comes up I go to the doctor and this is like a 5% cost. We in the Caribbean sparingly do regular visits. So this 1/3 of income spent on Health Cares might just be a little skewed.

    But Alas Dominica, we have too may obese people around…we need a community based program to attack this situation before it gets to pandemic phase.

    • Anonymous
      November 20, 2011

      Two words “CAKE SOAP” …lol

  45. Prophet2
    November 19, 2011

    The ‘next level’ is huge.

    • c.bruce
      November 19, 2011

      lolololol
      boy alyou killing me there

  46. Obese Gov V Obese Me
    November 19, 2011

    There are instances when the blame falls squarely on the shoulders of Government, however I feel this issue lies squarely on the shoulders of individuals. Is it the government cooking the meals, and encouraging us to sit and view television as opposed to steeping out in the cool non-toxic breeze? Presently there is an exercise program at the Windsor Park initiated by the government for workers to get at least an hour a week of exercise. How many are taking advantage of this free program? There is also exercise programs in all schools on the island from pre-school to secondary school. Snacks are provided by family. Additionally, birth control is the other of the day which have been know, among other things to cause weight gain. We in the nature Isle are very fortunate. Obesity is a choice and individuals have to take responsibility. Individuals who are suffering from diabetes can be off their meds, by proper diet and exercise in a matter of time. Come on let us not politicize every trivial matter and take responsibility for our own actions.

  47. true
    November 19, 2011

    Too much rum, no body walks anymore. In the seventies we walk to school everyday, walk to Roseau everyday, walk to Rocky way, we ate right, not all those fast and fatty foods they have now. Again it is left to the individual to recognize he has a pot and rum belly.

  48. da for life
    November 19, 2011

    woyyyy,good life in DA……………..

  49. space
    November 19, 2011

    one of the negative factors that has become a cancer in the dominican society is the lack of imposing standards and proffessionalism across the board in all avenues in dominica..

    dominica has lost alot of its fabric and values..over the past decade we just simple dont get it period…

    sadly the religous aspects as the churches have erroded the mind set of its congregation and the wider dominican society by misleading and upholding alot of ills in this society..

    we have what you call the dollar churches in modern times…maybe it has to do with a lack of thinking and being tough of current daily issues….its sad when you see folks who have been drilled in with common sense and the book educated simple bend over by a sneeze from a director….its like they cant combat this virus in the dominican air…

    look at folks who claim to be of high repute in dominica whats is their end or summary count to dominica simple ZERO as they have let their personal egos of greedy overwhelm them to the destructive end…..facts are facts…

  50. meagain
    November 19, 2011

    My husband and i often go around at carnival time noting the big fat men and wemen in Dominica these people eat too much fat foods like chicken, fries etc. I correspond with a alternative care doctor and he is fascinated at all the foods that are available in Dominica like ginger, thyme, coconuts aloes and so many healing healthy foods that are available in Dominica he thinks Americans would drive miles to get what we have, but here we are thinking imported foods are better for us and our Government make us feel that way can you believe the government is allowing crannbery and apple juice to come in free of tax while taxing local juices we have guava mango lime lemon grapefruits oranges carambola passionfruits the list goes on but our government is saying crannberry and apple are healing juices which can help lessen the chronic diseases that are prevalent in Dominica my Doctor says your government is out of touch with alternative cures certainly a government not so interested in agriculture where lies the cure to all of our illnesses.

    • interesting
      November 19, 2011

      Its called lobbying.

      daic..major importer….minister of trade. follow the trail.

    • only
      November 19, 2011

      And why is the World Bank reporting this. Doesn’t that seem a little odd to anyone else? That is, if it is the World Bank at all that is tied in to this article.
      The World Bank is full of loan sharks. and the U.N. is the World govt. wannabe.

      • Man in Dominica
        November 20, 2011

        From the news story you apparently did not read despite commenting on it: “The World Bank mobilized $95-million for Caribbean countries’ health, nutrition and population in 2011.”

        That’s why the World Bank is reporting on obesity rates in Dominica, because they make funds available to the Caribbean. If you wanted to take a cynical view, you’d think the World Bank would claim Dominica is healthier so we would need less money to help health and nutrition. I don’t see a reason to doubt the report just because of who issued it.

  51. forreal
    November 19, 2011

    you all ain’t noticing everything that is gross and spoiled,is dominica name first they calling,ebeh nou ne marlee,poverty our name calling,backward our name calling,who is ambassador our name calling,passport sales our name calling,now obesity,malnutrition,diabetes,well sah all of a sudden we in the forefront,why these people do not live us alone,we not on their cricket team,we had one they find fault with his bowling action,i find we are being targeted to much man,we are heavily resourceful and what we got,half the goddamed carribean ain’t got,this people need to back off.

  52. Hell-o
    November 19, 2011

    Ignorance, Laziness, Poverty, Unscrupulous businessmen, Irresponsible Government, Over-consumption of Alcohol, and lack of concern for Health and Personal Appearance, are the key reasons for this epidemic,
    I bet you didn’t know:
    The proprietor of KFC, Mr Karl Nassief steers clear of all Fast Food Joints, Works out at least 4 times a week, Eats mainly organic fruits and vegetables and is not 1 pound over his ideal weight.

    • iloveme
      November 19, 2011

      Poverty . . . to a lesser extent.
      Those “poor” people all have vehicles and refuse to walk one block unless they really, really must.
      Those ‘poor’ people will eat 3 big whole legs with an xtra large soft drink because they ‘dont have time’ to cook or clean but can spend endless hours watching soaps and ‘delicious’ food advertisements on TV.

      We need to let people know that they are not following a proper lifestyle.
      So next time an Obese person tell you:
      ” . . and I does hardly eat anything non”
      Maybe you should response:
      ” . . me to oui, that’s why I look so fit and trim and you look so Huge and shapeless”
      Obviously, many of us will need work to look Fit and Trim before we can respond that way!!

  53. D/can to de Bone
    November 19, 2011

    The govenment needs to address this matter in Dominica quickly. We might soon loose a genaration to poor health life style.

    We need to also addressour people dental care to many people have decay and bad teeth .Government need to go on a dental drive especially for the youth and elderly. We ned to give free dental care to those of to 19 yrs and the elderly.

    • Concern D/can
      November 19, 2011

      Which government? Do we have one?

      • Anonymous
        November 19, 2011

        We do have one who is looking at their pockets only…It’s called “The bad Labour Party”.

      • D/can to de Bone
        November 19, 2011

        we do have a government in DOMINICA . Guess your must be blind by covering your eyes blue and seeing and hearing only the blues. it is time you all dominican wake up and be faithfully to country and not party

    • Peeping Tom
      November 19, 2011

      Governments can play a significant role but the onus for proper living lies heavily on the INDIVIDUAL. We do not need a government need to tell us to eat properly and clean myself and take care of ourselves!?

      Lol! We expet too much from elected officials. Soon, we will have elections to elect persons to plan our lives for us.

    • Conscious
      November 19, 2011

      While Government has a role to play, the individual is ultimately responsible for his or hear health. Eating right, exercising regularly, and being emotionally and mentally balanced are within the control of the normal individual.

    • jah
      November 19, 2011

      Why government? DA is an agriculture island with all the healthy foods you dear ask for. If you have the intelligence to eat what is not healthy, you also have it to know, “ops I am wearing size 40 trousers, what went wrong”. DA people get fascinated with KFC and all those other unhealthy crap, I guess they Americanize now.

  54. ?????
    November 19, 2011

    Some people’s stomach are big because they have nothing to eat,and gas has taken over…They poom POOF POOF POOF and belch gooooooooooo…But their stomach is still big… MALAYWAY NOH.. no money in the country for som people…Some people taking all!

    • ,,,,,,,,,,
      November 19, 2011

      I LIKE THAT….Too much poverty on island.

      • D/can to de Bone
        November 20, 2011

        All over the world have poverty .. at least we are not bad as some Aferican countries. Nobody inDa dies of stavation… at least since I born I never heard or witnes this talk.

        Since I graduated from high school years ago some of my friends never work and yet whenever I visited home they still alive and looking well.

        We still can get pracetomol free if we sick oour healthcare not the worst, free health care at least. You can walkin in A and E or casualty and be treated for free. Some country i have visited this service is not available free or of very poor service. GOD BLESS DOMINICA I AM HAPPY OF WHAT WE HAVE AVAILABLE STILL

      • Man in Dominica
        November 20, 2011

        Obesity is definitely better than starvation. But healthy eating and fit bodies is better than obesity. Why do Dominicans say we could be worse to avoid admitting that we could do better?

  55. Anonymous
    November 19, 2011

    People needs to watch what they eat .. Eat healthy and excercise.

    This report on Dominicsa is a serious matter. The government needs to take note and lead the way on a healthlier life style for Dominica, Minister of health start putting health action in place and educated the nation.

    Also the g/ment needs to promote dental care for the nation , to many people suffer with bad and decay teeth . Minster of health, we need some form of free dental care for the nation especally those up to age 19 and the elderly.

  56. XTE
    November 19, 2011

    No doubt bout that report. Everyday I walk the streets I shake my head in disgust that so many young ladies in particular have themselves so out of shape and down right unhealthy. From the young to the not so young these people are seem to take pleasure in gaining weight and being so unhealthy. It seems a style. They flash it in all sorts of stylish clothing. It’s really sad.

    When you look at the gym only a handful of people care to keep themselves in shape. When I grew up I use to hear about thick. But now it is nothing like that, it is now fat. And sadly many will distupe the report while most others will just turn a blind eye to it in denial. But there is know doubt in my mind that this country is a country where obesity thrives and does so as a style.

  57. RASTER
    November 19, 2011

    I agree with the high consumption of alcohol but the remainder of the report is inaccurate not in D A

  58. concerned dominican
    November 19, 2011

    This is really depressing to hear. We have the necessary abilities to do better. Forget about those fast food restaurants, stop following stuff you see on tv and practice healthy living. Go back to the days when you ate home meals, did a lot of walking, go hiking, eat like the rasta man, no salt etc, eat more fruits and vegetables and turn this report around. Come on Dominicans, we can do it.

    • Anonymous
      November 19, 2011

      not believing this article but if we really want to do something about obesity its time to turn the western tv and internet off. they are evil tools that encourage the consumption of food like kfc and pizza hut instead of ground provisions fresh fruits and local meals.

      • Roz
        November 21, 2011

        Thats where you are misguided my friend. Before the KFC and the Pizza Hut, in the days of dasheen and fig, non-communicable diseases were still rampant in Dominica. Dominicans eat alot, we eat late and we consume quite a bit of alcohol. Take the information as a warning, and make necessary changes in your life. educate yourself on portion sizes and the timing of your meals, healthy methods of preparation like boiling and steaming, instead of fried and double fried.

  59. Dele
    November 19, 2011

    Men usually prefer thick ladies just because ur bigger than the next woman does not exactly mean ur unhealthy as long as de woman stomach and arms are not flappin all over the place it dont matter men from african decent usually admires a full fiqure woman it show fertility and large hips show the ability to pass a healthy baby who de hell want a meg let lol

    • November 19, 2011

      you sound like a woman who is fat

      go exercise and leave dem chicken alone

    • Man in Dominica
      November 20, 2011

      Dele, I think you speak the truth, and too much American advertisements tell women they are not beautiful unless they are as thin as sticks.

      But obesity is still a serious matter… Beyond “thick” and curvy, too much extra weight is a real health issue. So while we shouldn’t obsess over being skinny, don’t let it excuse people from caring when they get fat. There’s a healthy balance to reach.

  60. Anonymous
    November 19, 2011

    Men usually prefer thick ladies just because ur bigger than the next woman does not exactly mean ur unhealthy as long as de woman stomach and arms are not flappin all over the place it dont matter men from african decent usually admires a full fiqure woman it show fertility and large hips show the ability to pass a healthy baby who de hell want a meg let lol

    • HD
      November 19, 2011

      you are a fool….dominicans are fat period…it is unhealthy!!!….diabetes and hyptertension running wild because of it..fat girls all over the place…stop ur nonsense excuses…u must be one of those fat ppl who jus eat and make excuses….”i dont eat that much” “i dont have time to exercise” ” oh i dont have pants to run”

    • Mohamed
      November 20, 2011

      i dont want any fat women any time they pass 175 pounds awa too fat…… i see some guys pass with some big cows and all i do is say accept my sympathy to them…

    • ?????
      November 20, 2011

      Go and exercise your lazy bones,and stop talking crap…
      The man who is with you will soon have an embarrassment on his account.

  61. Gr8
    November 19, 2011

    I agree with the high consumption of alcohol but the remainder of the report is inaccurate….

    • Anonymous
      November 19, 2011

      agreed been to many islands and something doesnt seem accurate with this. i wonder is there is some faulty data… in fact it seems to be the exact opposite when it comes to the men. dominican men are some of the thinnest ive seen. hmmmmm :-? :-? :-? :-?

      • Conscious
        November 19, 2011

        Why is it people who have no real data casually dismiss the work of others who have spent time and money in conducting proper research to inform decision and policy?

      • Man in Dominica
        November 20, 2011

        Conscious–It’s called the “Dunning–Kruger effect.”

  62. Jane
    November 19, 2011

    Oh lord help us, whenever someone who is smart and tries to keep fit you hear all odd comments such as “you poe, you meg, you sick, you skinny”etc. they are not even realizing that they are the mal-norished ones who spend so much time at the hospital doctor’s office or pharmacy. Wake up my people take the innitiative and make the extra effort there is nothing like fat and nice thats the most foolish thing one can say to someone living in the metropolitan countries.

  63. Anti-hate
    November 19, 2011

    63.5 percent of females will be obese by 2015.

    ———————–

    D/a ladies all they say instead of getting their lazy azz some exercise is ‘My man love my size’

    2 out of 3 women being obese in a country like ours with an abundance of healthy fruits cheaply available, and only a handful of fast-food places, is inexcusable.

    D/a women in general don’t exercise, even the slim girls a lot of them are just naturally slim despite of their lifestyle.

  64. ....................
    November 19, 2011

    Poor nutrition makes your stomach get big in an unhealthy way yoiu know…The money in Dominica is not trickling down to the poor man..So BAD FOOD ALL THE WAY…Even if you exercise, when you go back home is MORE BAD FOOD! You cannot exercise when you are hungry anyway,so little exercise..BAD FOOD and NO MONEY! too much bobol in Dominica.!

  65. cia watch
    November 19, 2011

    if we can be spending millions of dollars on importation of chicken what must we expect, the good labor party had a campaign in the seventies eat what we grow and grow what we eat

    • Anonymous
      November 19, 2011

      THESE WERE THE DAYS OF THE ‘GOOD LABOUR PARTY’, now is the corrupt Labour Party.A FEW SHALL EAT HEALTHY FOOD!

      • November 19, 2011

        I AGREE

        THAT WAS THE REAL LABOUR PARTY
        NOW WE HAVE A FAKE LABOUR PARTY KILLING D COUNTRY WITH IMPORTED CHICKEN AND CRAP

        AND ALL D CRAP GOING IN PEOPLE’S BRAINS LIKE D MOVIE “UNDERCOVER BROTHER”

  66. ?????
    November 19, 2011

    This obesity thing is now related to poverty also.We also rank as the poorest country in the Caribbean, so this is not surprising.

  67. interesting
    November 19, 2011

    Yes but by all means bring in more imported ‘juices’ and more frozen meat that is how many months old. Bring it all in and dump it on the willing natives.

    Once its cheap, its goooooood.

  68. wow
    November 19, 2011

    thats ashame…..well everything is based on politics thats what governs and rules the world the bread and butter issues..

    facts…this highly corrupted labour regime killed the agricultural section thats the facts..

    they giving green light to fast foods which have high levels of chorlestoral which caused the death of its citizens

    giving reduction for apples juices imported etc….if this regime had a 2.5% brain they would understand issues…but sadly its all about the bling in dominica…

    the economy is at its lowest citizens cant afford as before which leads to them drinking more run which contains sugar as its the only way of easing their minds of the daily stress so that adds up…

    in my view Labour is the worst curse element ever to dawn on dominica..they have brought about a complete downfall in all sectors of this nature island….

    soon labour will turn to dominicans and say its ok for the chinise to sit in parliement and even become the Prime Minister of the land as those folks who are blind will say thank god for skero he has brought in new vision in dominica…what ashame…..

    • Anonymous
      November 19, 2011

      OBESITY is equal to POVERTY .. dominica has been impoverished by this corrupt regime, so here we go…LET’S TAKE IT….

      • Dominican
        November 20, 2011

        lol – u had to find a way to fit it in eh?

    • c.bruce
      November 20, 2011

      AND YOU KNOW WHEN THE CHINESE PARLIAMENT STARTS THOSE LAZY BAMBOOZLED DOMINICANS WILL JUST SIT THERE AND DO NOTHING

    • Boosaw Lavie
      November 21, 2011

      You make loads of sense bro! They can’t find money to eat properly but yet they can find it to drink themselves to death.Idot!!

  69. Satelite
    November 19, 2011

    This is highly IMPOSSIBLE to believe.

    • .
      November 19, 2011

      This is HIGHLY POSSIBLE TO BELIEVE…Many people will not be surprised..I am not!I see it among the poor people in my community everyday.

      • November 19, 2011

        I AM NOT SURPRISED!

        RIGHT NOW IS ONE PERSON PER SIDEWALK IN ROSEAU

  70. Peeping Tom
    November 19, 2011

    The results of the World Bank and WHO are not surprising. We just need to take a look at downtown this morning and do a rough survey.

    The landscape is ideal for physical activity and proper nutrition but instead, it is littered with fat people who believe that it is cool to look “thick!”

  71. Neutral
    November 19, 2011

    No, not the nature Island. Not the island with all the organic produce, Oh, I forgot all that “organic rum”. Please someone make a move to curtail alcohol excessive consumption in Dominica. It is time the politicians, police,and even the religious leaders set an example. Get back to good nutrition, too much dasheen not good for your health. Please Health Department do something. Turn this around. Let the name “nature Island” mean something, let it be reflected in our healthy life style

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