Obesity being tackled through behavioural change

The Ministry of Public Health is tackling obesity by driving behavioural change, promoting healthy habits, and sensitising children. Dr. Lachmie Lall, Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Unit, highlighted these efforts in an exclusive interview with Ignite News.
As Guyana joins the rest of the world to celebrate World Obesity Day 2025, Dr. Lall pointed out that a holistic approach is being undertaken to reduce NCDs among the local population. This approach primarily focuses on reducing obesity, which is one of the leading contributing factors to NCDs worldwide.
She added that the ministry has been sensitising children in the school system about proper nutrition and healthier diets as part of creating awareness about obesity and reducing the risk of NCDs. This project has thus far benefited approximately 6,000 children. The ministry has also launched public awareness campaigns and developed dietary guidelines to assist patients with diabetes in managing portion control and encouraging healthy eating and lifestyle habits.
In a press release earlier today, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony noted that the ministry has implemented several initiatives to combat obesity and NCDs. These include Public Awareness Campaigns, Body Mass Index (BMI) education, collaborative efforts, childhood obesity prevention, and improved healthcare services. The government has also enhanced healthcare access and resources for individuals struggling with obesity and NCDs, ensuring better prevention, management, and treatment options.
In 2016, NCDs accounted for 68 per cent of all deaths, with cardiovascular disease alone responsible for 34 per cent. The risk of premature death (ages 30-70) from NCDs stands at 31 per cent.
According to the World Obesity Federation, by 2025, obesity prevalence is projected to reach 20.2 per cent for men and 35.5 per cent for women, while 15.7 per cent of children (ages 5-19) will be affected.