“Jamaica needs men with guts,” is one of those things we sometimes hear when a man is teased about his big belly.

There may even be another side to it. In Jamaica, a big belly on a man is sometimes associated with doing well. The bigger the belly, the deeper the pockets, and perhaps for some women that may even be part of the appeal.

But, jokes aside, we need to talk about what that expanding waistline could actually mean.

I am not a medical doctor, but I am the minister of health and wellness — in fact, the longest-serving one in Jamaica — and it is important to me to use my platform to educate and encourage Jamaicans to take better care of themselves.

The science tells us that waist circumference is one indicator of our risk for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). If that is a telling sign, then walk around Jamaica and you can see that we are in troubling times.

Too many of our men are carrying excess weight around the waist. And it is not only older men. We are seeing it among younger men who are in the prime of their lives.

This is not about advocating for everybody to be skinny. I am certainly not doing that. People come in different shapes and sizes. This is about health and reducing our risk of developing diseases that can affect both the quality and length of our lives.

WATCH YOUR WAIST

We talk a lot about knowing your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Men should also pay attention to their waist circumference. Fat that accumulates deep in the abdomen and around the organs is known as visceral fat, and research has shown that carrying too much of it increases the risk of illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.

For men, a waist circumference of 40 inches or more is generally considered a significant health risk. Our own Jamaican data tell us that we have a problem. The 2016/2017 Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey found that more than half of the population was overweight or obese, particularly among persons aged 35 to 64. The survey also found central obesity among 38.8 per cent of men.

These figures matter because I see where this eventually leads. It leads to our health centres and hospitals. It contributes to hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and other NCDs. It affects families when someone becomes seriously ill or dies too early. It affects productivity, and it adds to the pressure on our health system.

The Government has a role to play, and as minister I accept that responsibility. But there is only so much that any government or ministry can do. At some point each of us has to take responsibility for the choices we make about our own health.

Men also need to lead by example. Many of us pride ourselves on being providers for our families; we work hard to make sure our children and loved ones are cared for. But part of taking care of your family is also taking care of yourself so that, as far as possible, you are around to enjoy life after working so hard.

START SIMPLE

You do not have to change everything overnight. Make some simple swaps. Drink water instead of juice or soda. Cut back on sugar. Watch your portions. Add more vegetables and fruits to your meals. Reduce heavily processed foods and excessive alcohol consumption.

And get moving.

In 2017 we launched Jamaica Moves to encourage Jamaicans to become more physically active. The programme continues to run activities in parishes across the country, and you can reach out to your local health authority to find one that works for you.

But you don’t need Jamaica Moves to start moving. Put on a pair of shoes, lace them up, and go for a walk. Walk around your community. Walk with your partner or your children. Take the stairs when you can. If you sit behind a desk for most of the day, make an effort to get up and move.

The recommendation for adults is at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. You don’t have to do all of that at once, and you certainly don’t have to become an athlete.

I try to make exercise a part of my own life because I believe that if I am going to encourage Jamaicans to become more active, I also have to try to lead by example. Again, this is not about being skinny. It is about being healthy. And I know it is not always easy.

For some people, losing weight is a real struggle. There may be other factors involved, and lifestyle changes alone may not always yield the results you expect. That is why I encourage anyone who is concerned about their weight, particularly if you have other risk factors, to speak with your doctor or another health-care professional.

KNOW YOUR NUMBERS

Get your checks done. Know your blood pressure. Know your blood sugar. Know your cholesterol. Measure your waist. And if the numbers are telling you that something needs to change, don’t ignore them.

We have to stop treating a big belly as simply part of getting older, of enjoying life, or of doing well.

My Jamaican brothers, enjoy life, yes. Work hard and make your money. But take care of yourself while you are doing it.

A big belly is not a status symbol. Your health is far more valuable.

Dr Christopher Tufton is Jamaica’s minister of health and wellness. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or cctufton@gmail.com