Health Ministry reiterates stance against commercial entities marketing unhealthy foods

The Ministry of Health continues to be deeply concerned about the sponsorship of school-related sporting events by companies that sell and advertise unhealthy foods and drinks.

Speaking Saturday at Ross University’s Obesity Symposium at The Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Chief Medical Officer Dr Kenneth George said considering the mounting issues of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and illnesses associated with unhealthy lifestyles, commercial players’ rights must not be permitted to jeopardise the nation’s health.

“Historic, cultural, and commercial issues have occasionally caused dissension between the health sector on one hand, and the commercial sector on the other hand. While this is regrettable, we must ensure that the work that is of public health interest is not sacrificed at the altar of profits,” he said.

“In this context, let me clearly state, the Ministry of Health is opposed to the overt and covert marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children. Whether it be through the sponsorship of social events, or school sports. We continue to advocate for and work towards a commercial sector that contributes not only to financial growth of the economy, but also to its health and wellness.”

Dr George further noted that in 2022, there were an estimated 2.5 billion overweight adults worldwide; 890 million of whom were people living with obesity, and there were 400 million children who were overweight. These figures, in Dr George’s view, pale in comparison to the starling statistics facing the region, and Barbados in particular.

“We are aware of the alarming statistics and modelling projections for obesity in the region of CARICOM. More than 35 per cent in the school age population are either overweight or obese, and upwards to 60 per cent of the adult population being overweight and or obese. Again, I say the time for action is now,” he said.

“In Barbados, 74.2 per cent of our women, and 57.5 per cent of our men are overweight based on a Health of the Nation study. Alarmingly, the highest percentage of morbid obesity was seen in adults of the 25-44 age group.Obesity is not just a cosmetic concern, it is a medical and public health challenge of the 21st century that increases the risk of ill-health and death. It is imperative to create a society that facilitates decisions and implementation of policies that protect health and wellness.”

Back in 2022, the then Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr Sonia Browne, said some policy decisions would have to be taken to address the marketing of unhealthy products to children, especially given the high rate of childhood obesity.