Dr. Johnson wants a societal approach to obesity

Dr. David Johnson
Dr. David Johnson

An entire societal approach to tackle overweight and obesity is what Dominica’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. David Johnson, is calling for at the start of a two-day workshop on that health issue.

Johnson told the workshop at the Acute Psychiatric unit on Thursday that he was pleased to see a wide sector of society in attendance.

“This highlights the concern of the importance of the whole of society approach towards obesity and overweight,” he said. “At a time when health care in Dominica accounts for almost seven percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) and a large percentage of this is spent on secondary and tertiary care level for chronic disease, we clearly need an all of society approach to tackle this huge, huge problem.”

Johnson said further that in low income countries like Dominica, these diseases, such as obesity, have reached epidemic proportions and are leading causes of death, disability, the rising cost of health and decreased productivity in the population.

But he stressed that although there are many ongoing initiatives in Dominica, they cannot bear fruit without being implemented. “In Dominica, there are many ongoing initiatives including the development of policy to provide a launching pad for the various actions that are needed to address the concerns raised related to obesity and overweight,” he said. “Among these policies I should mention are food and nutrition security policy, our school health and nutrition policy, infant and young children nutrition policy … however these policies in themselves cannot, and I repeat cannot, produce results if they are not implemented.”

The current status of obesity and overweight will be discussed as well as recommendations for strategies for prevention and control of the disease.

Representatives from the Ministries of Health, Finance, Legal Affairs, Agriculture and Forestry, Trade, the Food and Nutrition Council and Information and Communication Technology Unit are taking part in the workshop.

The two-day workshop is being undertaken by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization.

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20 Comments

  1. legit
    October 14, 2013

    Be responsible with what you put in your stomach..and please exercise at least three days a week for 30minutes…sex is good exercise also if its available.

  2. APACHE
    October 12, 2013

    they put that fastfood restaurant close to the roseau market.so what do you expect.the population just have to ignore certain foods,instead of having the gov’t waste money on workshop.

  3. yah
    October 11, 2013

    Simple, Import tarrif on everything with corn syrup.

  4. just saying
    October 11, 2013

    such fat obese creatures roaming the town. disgusting. Please ladies look in the mirror before stepping out in those unsuitable garments

    • opinion
      October 14, 2013

      i do not agree with the term “creature”, however, sometimes it looks like those clothes that these women wear are sewed on their body parts..its just disgusting at times…i’m not against looking good, but lordy, wear something that fits man. This goes for the skinny as well as the fat ones..

  5. Anonymous
    October 11, 2013

    Well said doctor. We have to take responsibility for our health. Information is much more readily available that it was a few years ago, and we as a society must work to keep ourselves and each other healthy. WE can start by getting our kids away from those “inside the house” activities and get them to exercise.

  6. ME my DOG and I
    October 11, 2013

    build more sidewalks , parks, trail and recreation centers and make the roads safe from mad people and dogs

  7. Pondera
    October 11, 2013

    Please broadcast the lecture by Mrs Lambert

  8. grell
    October 11, 2013

    dominicans have become very greedy and lazy esp the young women,we have such rich land to grow and eat what we grow.sad that thes fast food joints have taken over them,so disgusting how they look.am waiting on you all feedback.am speaking the truth,get a healthier lifestyle.

  9. purple city
    October 11, 2013

    It must have a rise in obesity, when junk foods r much cheaper than all others. In these hard economic times our cost of livin needs to decrease n standard of living need to increase. Its a clear view.

  10. Big-Bannan
    October 10, 2013

    I’ve always been curious, how much tax are those American Fast Food companies paying? At the end of the day it is the country that ends up paying when those high cholesterol patients are hospitalized.

  11. Sout' Rebel
    October 10, 2013

    IT is simple Eat what you grow! And grow what you eat. Less T.V, more social interaction, and do some real work!

  12. Da Sage
    October 10, 2013

    Great hope can come from small sacrifices.

  13. Dominican in Antigua
    October 10, 2013

    now is time to take part in are cycling club that can help

  14. say it loud
    October 10, 2013

    Right. Who puts the kfc and the pizza in their mouth. One has to eat in moderation.you can’t have these things five days a week.

  15. law and order
    October 10, 2013

    It is simple, closed down pizza hut and KFC, and get Dominicans walking again.

    • Jimi Hendrix
      October 10, 2013

      I remember a few years ago on a visit to Dominica, I was talking to a resident about the increased consumption of fast food in Dominica. Her response to me was “Allu ejoying allu fast food and you doh want us to enjoy it too?”.

      I ended the discussion right there and then. You cannot argue with ignorance.

    • One Love
      October 10, 2013

      They wouldn’t dare if they want to keep their jobs … you krazy

    • Surething
      October 10, 2013

      It’s not that simple. It all starts with self discipline, which is also not that simple for some people. We need to deal with this problem from an emotional and mental health prospective.

    • hahah
      October 11, 2013

      hell NO…. lol… ppl just need to control their bad eating habits…i love me some kfc but u wont find me eating it everyday… self control is key…

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