#BTColumn – Are we drinking ourselves sick?

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by this author are their own and do not represent the official position of the Barbados Today. 

On World Obesity Day, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados Inc. (HSFB) and partners have launched the “Are We Drinking Ourselves Sick” campaign to highlight the negative health impact of high levels of sugar in beverages, including carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks, fruit drinks, and energy and sports drinks.

The campaign also firmly calls for the public support of, and need for, government policy to help decrease the consumption of sugary drinks for a healthier Barbados.

It is estimated that 83 per cent of deaths in Barbados are caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and one in three children in Barbados is overweight
or obese.

Research also shows that one in five adult Barbadians has diabetes, 66 per cent of adults are overweight, and 33 per cent are obese.

These figures are all believed to be linked to the high consumption of processed foods and sugary drinks, which is known to cause obesity which increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, liver and kidney damage, heart disease, and some cancers.”

As the pandemic continues, with added complications like stress and excessive work hours at home, it is critical for Barbadians to have a supportive environment that encourages healthier food choices.

Persons who already have pre-existing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension face greater risks from COVID-19. These circumstances have created an urgent situation that needs immediate intervention.

According to the 2018 Barbados Childhood Obesity Prevention Public Opinion Poll, almost all of Barbados (92 per cent) support having a national policy to ensure a healthy school environment and 95 per cent believe it is very important or somewhat important that the government play an important role in reducing obesity. There is a strong desire for a government-led change in attitudes and behaviours to prevent NCDs.

Reflecting on the public’s perspective on a national policy to prevent obesity, HSFB CEO, Michelle Daniel said: “The connection between unhealthy diets and many major illnesses has long been established, and we see evidence of this every day as our people experience preventable health conditions.

“We believe that at this time, where health is of paramount importance, Barbados must take serious steps towards curbing NCDs so that persons can live longer, more rewarding lives. It is our hope that with this campaign, people will become more aware of the health harms of excess consumption of sugary drinks, and the government will see the benefit of enacting policy that will protect our citizens and their wellbeing.”

The campaign features a video that chronicles the sugary drinks intake of a middle-aged woman/wife/mother, Rosie, from the start of her day at breakfast, on her way to work, at work, to dinner time.

All that sugar adds up, so Rosie became ill and was hospitalised. With her family by her side, she realized the gravity of consuming too many sugary drinks.

The “Are We Drinking Ourselves Sick” campaign will run on radio, TV, in newspapers, and on social media. Barbadians are encouraged to share messages about the campaign on social media using the hashtags: #DrinkingOurselvesSick, #WeDeserveBetter, #ProtectOurChildren, #RightToHealth, #PeopleBeforeProfits #HealthyCaribbeanYouth #SwitchItUp246, and #SwitchItUpBarbados. They can retweet posts or comment on posts from the Instagram or Facebook pages of @hsfbarbados and @healthycaribbean.

The campaign is being implemented in partnership with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC), George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre and other partners.

Further information and stills from the campaign are available upon request. (PR)