Obesity – A growing health emergency

By Dr Tariq Jagnarine

Understanding obesity
Obesity is not just about appearance or body size. It is a medical condition where a person has excess body fat that places serious strain on the heart, blood vessels, joints, and internal organs. In Guyana, obesity is increasing rapidly and affecting both adults and children, often without people recognising it as a health threat.
Many Guyanese see weight gain as a normal part of ageing or a sign of good living. Others believe that being “thick” or “solid” means strength. Unfortunately, excess weight is closely linked to many of the most dangerous diseases affecting our population today.

Why obesity is a serious problem in Guyana
Obesity is one of the main drivers behind the rise in diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. It also worsens existing health conditions and makes treatment more difficult.
Health facilities across Guyana are seeing more people developing chronic diseases at younger ages. Many of these conditions share one common factor: excess body weight, especially around the waist. Obesity is no longer a personal issue; it is a national health concern affecting productivity, healthcare costs, and quality of life.

What health workers are seeing
Doctors and nurses across the country increasingly care for patients in their 30s and 40s with conditions once seen mainly in older adults. These include diabetes requiring medication, high blood pressure needing multiple drugs, joint problems limiting movement, and breathing difficulties during sleep.
In many cases, people are shocked to learn that their weight is contributing directly to their illness. Some only make the connection after suffering a heart attack, stroke, or serious complication. By then, weight-related damage has already taken a toll on the body.

Causes of obesity
Obesity develops when the body takes in more energy from food and drinks than it uses through daily activity. Over time, this excess energy is stored as fat. In Guyana, several factors contribute to this imbalance.
Diet plays a major role. Frequent consumption of sugary drinks, sweet snacks, fried foods, large portions of refined carbohydrates, and highly processed foods increases calorie intake while offering little nutritional value. Physical inactivity is another major factor, especially as more people work long hours sitting and have little time for exercise. Stress, poor sleep, and emotional eating also contribute to weight gain.

Who is most at risk
Although anyone can become overweight, certain groups are more vulnerable. Adults over the age of thirty are at higher risk, particularly those with sedentary lifestyles. People with a family history of obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure are more likely to gain excess weight. Children and adolescents are also increasingly affected, especially when exposed to unhealthy foods and limited physical activity from an early age.
Women who gain excessive weight during pregnancy and do not lose it afterward may also face increased long-term risk. Importantly, obesity can occur even in people who appear active or strong, especially if excess weight is concentrated around the abdomen.

Signs that excess weight is affecting your health
Obesity often develops gradually, making it easy to overlook. Some warning signs include increasing waist size, shortness of breath with mild activity, joint pain, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. Many people also develop related conditions such as high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, or high cholesterol without obvious symptoms.
Because these changes happen slowly, people may adjust their lifestyle rather than recognise a health problem. This is why regular check-ups are essential.

How obesity is assessed
Health workers assess obesity using simple measurements such as body weight, height, and waist circumference. These measurements help determine whether a person’s weight places them at increased risk of disease. A large waist size, in particular, is a strong warning sign of dangerous fat around the internal organs.
Assessment also includes checking blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, as obesity often affects these systems together.

Health complications linked to obesity
Obesity significantly increases the risk of serious health complications. These include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and certain cancers such as breast and colon cancer. Excess weight also places stress on the joints, leading to chronic back pain and arthritis.
Obesity can affect mental health as well, contributing to low self-esteem, depression, and social isolation. In severe cases, it reduces life expectancy and quality of life.

Managing obesity: What can be done
Obesity can be managed, and even modest weight loss can bring major health benefits. Treatment usually begins with lifestyle changes, including healthier eating, increased physical activity, and behaviour change. Small, realistic changes such as reducing sugary drinks, controlling portion sizes, and walking regularly can lead to meaningful improvement over time.
Some individuals may need additional support, including medical advice, counselling, or medication. Seeking help early improves success and reduces complications.

Preventing obesity
Prevention is the most effective approach. Healthy habits should begin early in life and continue through adulthood. Choosing home-cooked meals more often, limiting sugary drinks, staying physically active, and getting enough sleep all reduce the risk of excess weight gain.
Families play a critical role by modelling healthy behaviours and encouraging children to be active. Communities and workplaces can also support healthier choices by promoting physical activity and access to nutritious foods.

A message to parents and families
Childhood obesity is becoming increasingly common and sets the stage for lifelong health problems. Encouraging active play, limiting screen time, and offering healthier meals can protect children’s future health. What children learn at home often shapes their habits for life.
Obesity is not about blame or shame. It is about health, well-being, and the future of our nation. Excess weight increases the risk of many serious diseases, but these risks can be reduced through awareness, early action, and support.
Do not wait until diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease force change. Small steps taken today can prevent major illness tomorrow.
A healthier Guyana starts with healthier choices, one person, one family, one community at a time.