Why COP Matters

SWITCH IT UP TODAY FOR HEALTHIER CHILDREN TOMORROW

Why Childhood Obesity Matters

Barbados has one of the highest rates of childhood obesity in the Caribbean, with 42% of children obese or overweight. This endemic in childhood obesity is inextricably linked to the country’s rate of Non-Communicable Diseases. It is a national health crisis that requires policy action, advocacy, and ongoing education. Currently, the island’s non-communicable Disease (NCD) crisis is demanding immediate action. The evidence below all shows why policies are required now to change the trajectory of health of our children and generations to come.

1 In 5 Barbadians Has Obesity.

42% Of Children Are Overweight Or Obese

66% Of Adults Are Overweight With 33% Obese

NCDs Cause 80% Of All Deaths In Barbados

95% Of Barbadians

believe it is very important or somewhat important that the government play an important role in reducing obesity.

Many Pre-packed Foods

are processed with high levels of added sugars, sodium, saturated fats, and refined carbohydrates.

Substantial Evidence

demonstrates that consuming excess sugar from both beverages and foods increases the risk of developing diabetes, liver and kidney damage, heart disease, and some cancers

Excess Sodium Intake

is associated with increased blood pressure 16-17 as well as increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, stroke, and leading to death

These statistics highlight a significant burden on lives, potential, and our healthcare
system.

Evidence-Based Research on Childhood Obesity

Epidemiological Evidence

Local studies (University of the West Indies & Ministry of Health and Wellness) consistently show high rates of hypertension, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, strongly correlated with high sodium and sugar intake and low fruit and vegetable consumption.

Behavioural Research

Surveys show that price and convenience are the main drivers of food choice. Many consumers perceive healthy foods as “too expensive” or “less filling.”

Health Economics Insight

The cost of a healthy diet in Barbados remains among the highest in the Caribbean. FAO estimates show that more than one-third of Caribbean households cannot afford a healthy diet at current prices.

Regional Parallels

Evidence from Mexico and Chile shows that taxes on sugary drinks and snacks can reduce purchases by 6–10% within two years when
implemented alongside nutrition labelling and public education. Barbados’ policies could yield similar results if well monitored.

Aggressive Marketing of Unhealthy Foods, Particularly to Children, Exacerbates the NCD Crisis

Globally, food companies spend nearly USD$14 billion annually on advertising, with over 80% promoting unhealthy products.

Millions of children and adolescents in Latin America and the Caribbean are overweight.

Unhealthy food marketing heavily influences children's dietary choices.

Despite the Barbados National School Nutrition Policy prohibiting such marketing in and around schools, these efforts persist. This violates existing policy and children's rights to health, as outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Nutritional And Consumption Angle

From a nutrition perspective, the affordability of healthy food is not just an economic issue, it is a public health imperative. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and lean proteins is scientifically proven to reduce the risk of Non-Communicable Diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, are key risk factors with diets high in Ultra-processed foods.

High Ultra-Processed Food (UPFs) Penetration

Regional studies (CARICOM/PAHO) show over 50% of daily calories in some Caribbean populations come from UPFs; Barbados follows this pattern.

Nutrient Imbalance

UPFs are typically high in added sugars, refined carbs, sodium, and unhealthy fats but low in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Dietary Drivers of NCDs:

Frequent consumption of UPFs contributes directly to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, which dominate the local disease burden.

Critical Nutrition Takeaway:

Affordability and availability must coincide with nutrition education and food environment reform to change consumption patterns, not just prices.

A Robust School Nutrition Policy

A comprehensive and enforced School Nutrition Policy is essential for a healthier
Barbados. It offers:

Improved Student Health

Promoting healthy eating habits, reducing childhood obesity, and preventing diet-related diseases.

Enhanced Academic Performance

Healthy eating boosts concentration, memory, and cognitive function.

Positive Social Environment

Fostering a culture of wellness and healthy choices in schools.

Community Engagement

Involving parents, teachers, and local organizations in promoting healthy eating.

Long-Term Impact

Helping students develop lifelong healthy habits.

Our School's Nutrition Policy Advocates For

Healthy Food Choices

Encouraging fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Limiting Unhealthy Food Choices

Reducing access to sugary drinks, processed snacks, and high-fat/sodium foods.

Nutrition Education

Teaching students about healthy eating and informed choices.

Physical Activity

Promoting regular exercise alongside healthy eating.