Mauritius’s Obesity Crisis Deepens as Report Reveals 36%+ of Adults are Obese

Nearly two-thirds of adults in Mauritius are overweight, according to a new report from the NCD Surveillance, sparking a public health warning from the Ministry of Health.

The 2021 report reveals a startling 72.2% of Mauritians have a higher-than-normal weight. Of those, 36.2% of the adult population are considered obese, with a disproportionate number of women (41.6%) affected compared to men (29.9%).

The figures mark a significant increase in a growing public health challenge for the island nation, which has become a global concern.

According to Dr Fazil Khodabocus, the interim Director of Public Health Services at the Ministry of Health, the rise in obesity and overweight individuals has become a critical issue, driven by increasingly sedentary lifestyles and a diet rich in high-calorie fast food.

Dr Khodabocus warned that prolonged sitting has become as detrimental to health as smoking.

The medical definition of obesity is based on the Body Mass Index (BMI), calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in metres. A BMI over 25 indicates a person is overweight, while a BMI over 30 qualifies as obese.

The Vicious Cycle of Obesity

The consequences of this epidemic are severe and wide-ranging. Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, a chronic illness now seen in young adults and even teenagers.

This condition can lead to severe complications, including blindness, kidney failure, and cardiovascular disease.

Obesity is also linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, certain cancers, and sleep apnea. For women, it can cause infertility and hormonal imbalances.

The human stories behind these statistics are a stark reminder of the daily reality.

• Tarun, 50, an avid consumer of fast food, neglected his diet for years. His sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits led to severe obesity, arterial blockage, and a subsequent coronary bypass. Today, he is working to adopt a healthier diet and regular exercise.
• Sandra, 38, a busy mother of two, often chooses quick options like drive-thrus to save time, acknowledging the toll this has taken on her family’s health.
• Roxanne, 29, who was unaware of the importance of a healthy diet, now suffers from obesity-related diabetes.

Challenges and Solutions

Health professionals are calling for a holistic approach to combat the crisis, combining education, prevention, and treatment.

Dr Khodabocus stressed the need for a multidisciplinary team of doctors, dieticians, psychologists, and physical educators.

He also advocates for making fruits and vegetables more affordable and promoting regular physical activity.

However, several barriers remain. A lack of safe and accessible public spaces for exercise, as well as general safety concerns in certain neighbourhoods, are major deterrents.

While excessive social media use contributes to a sedentary lifestyle, it also presents an opportunity for public health campaigns to raise awareness.

Time management is another significant challenge for young people and busy families.

To fight the epidemic, a collective effort is needed. Dr Khodabocus states, “We must act before it becomes irreversible.”

The government, private sector, schools, and individuals must work together to create a health-conscious environment.

This includes developing safe public spaces like bike paths and parks and strengthening physical education and nutrition awareness in schools.

The authorities must ensure access to affordable, healthy food and provide reliable information to help people make informed choices.

The battle against obesity in Mauritius is not lost. By focusing on prevention, education, and creating a supportive environment, the nation can reverse this worrying trend and secure a healthier future for generations to come.

Source: l’Express