Obesity has been a problem in many societies for several years, and now Jamaican youth are becoming more at risk of developing lifestyle diseases because of the same problem.

According to an article in the Monday Gleaner, the Ministry of Health has warned parents that they may be dooming their children to a life of heart diseases and diabetes and even worse a shortened life span.

The story also quoted pieces of a study done in 2006 of adolescents, which found that many do not get enough physical acidity and consume unhealthy amounts of fried foods.

The study also noted that one out of every four Jamaicans between 15-19 years old were overweight. This figure is far too high for comfort. If this trend is to continue then the productivity of our society will certainly go down in the next few years.

Healthy nutrition

Obviously this problem needs urgent attention and a key part of addressing the problem is for parents to become part of the solution. Parents need to encourage their children to become active and also give them healthier foods.

The Government also needs to educate the youth and public about healthy nutrition. They also need to go into schools where children spend most of their day and get them involved in promoting healthier diets for the children.

Every Jamaican needs to become part of the process to develop and make Jamaica a country with healthy citizens. Healthier citizens are more productive and we need productive citizens to move and keep Jamaica going forward.