Dominica: ministro de Salud califica de alarmante la obesidad infantil en la isla
Childhood obesity in Dominica alarming, says Health Minister
The percentage of overweight and obese children and youth in Dominica is increasing at an alarming rate, says Minister of Health Dr. Kenneth Darroux.
He said clinical data indicated that “the prevalence of overweight and obese children (0 -59 months) increased from nine per cent in 2000 to 12 per cent in 2009; and an estimated 24.8 per cent of adolescents (13-15 years) were overweight and 9.1 per cent, obese”.
Dr. Darroux said much of the overweight and obesity among children in the Eastern Caribbean nation is directly related to the processed, energy dense, non-nutritious foods and drinks they consume, coupled with physical inactivity at home and at school.