Jamaican women getting fatter
The battle of the bulge is never won easily. But it seems as if, though we have heard it time and time again, the warning signs about the risks of obesity are falling on deaf ears. A recent healthy lifestyle survey published by the Ministry of Health shows that 60 per cent of Jamaican women and 30 per cent of our men are overweight or obese.
And the onslaught of major fast food chains is not helping the situation. Neither does adopting the Westernised style of eating, which can lead to chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
“Obesity is exacerbating most of these chronic diseases,” said GP Edmond Miller.
It’s not only Jamaican women who are getting fatter, as is obvious, but women around the Caribbean
on the whole. In fact, it’s a worldwide epidemic.
Those classified as obese have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30-35. “We check your BMI, which is your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres,” explained GP June Francis. “The ideal BMI is 25, and from 30 to 35 you are obese.” Those with a BMI of 40 and over are classified as morbidly obese.
And though you may have received a clean bill of health from your doctor, you still need to alter your eating habits if you’re on the larger side.
Generally, the advice touted by medical experts of diet and exercise remain pretty much correct. Though the doctors warn that people’s view of adequate exercise often turns out to be skewed.
“People think that if they are not pounding up and down they are not exercising, but that is not true,” Dr Francis said. She said that women can do simpler exercises, such as walking, which is much gentler on the knees than jogging.
To determine the cause of obesity, a doctor’s opinion is best.
You probably wonder why your friend can eat anything and not gain a pound, while you just look at ice cream and put on weight.
It all depends on how fast your metabolism is. And the tendency to blame the genes? While this may be justified, the expert’s decision is ultimately best in determining factors, the doctors say.
“One of the biggest determinants of any disease is family history,” Dr Francis said. Just because you’re slim doesn’t automatically mean you’re healthy.
Obesity has no regard for age or gender. However, men usually gain the weight in their belly while women gain all over.
The doctors warn that it’s best not to accept being obese. Rather, it’s important to change your mindset and get moving.
The Jamaican diet is laden with carbohydrates, which are fattening if more than the recommended amount is eaten. Thus the bulla, breadfruits, sweet potatoes, and the generous greasy Jamaican breakfast of dumplings and green bananas, should be eaten in moderation.
“The more educated the woman, the more likely she is to watch her calorie intake,” Dr Miller said. And remember, the doctors said, diseases like diabetes and hypertension are the silent killers. It’s like the Jamaican adage, ‘What doan kill will fatten yuh’, with a twist. Sure you may be healthy now, but you may have to pay the price later if you don’t change your diet and start exercising.
