Health Ministry Observes World Obesity Day 2025

World Obesity Day is observed annually on March 4th, to raise awareness of the causes and the prevention of obesity in both adults and children around the world. Obesity is a major health crisis worldwide and is characterised by excessive body fat, which increases the risk of getting many non-communicable diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, some cancers and heart diseases. Although many factors contribute to obesity, the most common factors are unhealthy diets high in fats, sugars and calories, and insufficient physical activity. There are also social factors such as poverty, low literacy levels, food insecurity, cultural norms and lifestyle influences that contribute to an obesogenic environment. Obesity continues to become a greater problem worldwide.  The prevalence of obesity in both adults and children continues to increase in the Caribbean including St Lucia, with approximately 65 % of adults aged 18-69 years old, being either overweight or obese.