Obesity increasing in schools

MINISTER Of Health Dr Christopher Tufton said findings from the most recent Global School-based Student Health Survey show that obesity is increasing for boys and girls in schools.

“It shows, over the last seven years, a doubling of obesity and overweight in our school population. In the case of boys, it’s a double – it’s almost a 100 per cent increase; in the case of girls, it’s 68 per cent,” he lamented.

Dr Tufton said the Government is taking a proactive approach to combating unhealthy lifestyle choices with the introduction of several initiatives.

These include:

I The restriction on certain types of sugary beverages in schools and hospitals, starting January 2019.

I Development of the school nutrition policy in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, which will influence what is prepared within the school system.

I Introduction of the Jamaica Moves initiative in schools.

Dr Tufton is also calling for more Jamaicans to acquire health insurance coverage.

“Health insurance is one area I think we need to advocate for more. We need to challenge the health insurance companies to do more, offer more creative options. If we have to change the regulations, we change it, but part of taking responsibility is to do better for yourself, because, ultimately, it will be in your best interest,” he said.