Fight against obesity begins in earnest |14 October 2023
Gordon Square, Victoria is the place to be this Sunday to learn about living and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
A fun-filled day with educational and sporting activities, healthy eating, health screening and tips for younglings up to senior citizens is planned as part of the ‘Stop Obesity national campaign’, an initiative spearheaded by President Wavel Ramkalawan, which will be launched tomorrow.
The event, organised by the national multi-sectorial steering committee to help address the issue of obesity in the country, will kick off at 9am with a one-kilometre walk led by the president that will start at Gordon Square and go around town.
In a press briefing at the site yesterday, director general for community affairs, Denise Clarisse, said that other than the walk, the main highlight of the day will be the launch of the campaign with a seven-year Obesity Reduction action plan that will guide the national endeavour.
“By launching the campaign and the action plan we want to reassure the population that the government was committed to reducing obesity in the country,” said Mrs Clarisse.
A national survey carried out last year among school children showed that 35% of girls and 30% of boys aged between 5 and 19 years were obese and overweight. One that was conducted among adults ten years ago indicated that back then, 72% of women and 57% of men were obese and overweight.
The committee is therefore urging people to turn up and learn how to manage their body and remain healthy.
According to Mrs Clarisse various activities are planned such as baby gym, so that parents can learn simple exercises that their children can perform at home, a health and education awareness centre, a point where participants would be able to undergo health screening, with nutritionists on hand to give advice based on the outcome of their tests.
A special spot is also designated for the elderly who will get tips on how best to monitor their health.
Another special attraction will be the sale of local fruits and vegetables in stalls set up all around the field. So far 22 farmers have confirmed their participation. The food corner is an initiative of the agriculture department to coincide with World Food Day on Monday, October 16.
Private businesses will also be selling health-related products.
There will also be a lucky dip dubbed ‘winning is all about your health’. Mrs Clarisse explained that everything that is won will be health-related such as food products and the two-star prizes namely a treadmill and exercise bike.
When questioned as to how would this event be different from other similar campaigns in the past, Mrs Clarisse stated that “it is not only a day of fun and games. When you go home after the event, you will already be conscious of how best to manage your health”.
«We will also ensure continuity since we have an action plan,” she added, urging families to come down and spend the day together.
