The Ministry of Health has disclosed that approximately 84% of the population in the Maldives is experiencing issues related to overweight conditions.
According to a report jointly published by the Diabetes Society of the Maldives and the Ministry of Health, there has been a decline in the engagement of individuals in healthy physical activities, resulting in an alarming surge in unhealthy weight patterns. The report unveils that merely 16% of Maldivians maintain a healthy weight, while a staggering 84% are categorized as overweight and therefore susceptible to diabetes, with 23% falling into the severely overweight category.
To compile this report, the diabetes society conducted a nationwide screening program, which highlighted that only 36% of the population met the prescribed criteria for regular physical activity, defined as exercising at least three times a week. Furthermore, the report underscores that a mere 40% of individuals consume fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Additionally, it was observed that younger individuals demonstrate a lower inclination towards adopting healthy eating habits.
The report emphasizes several measures that can be adopted to mitigate health risks within the population. These measures include enhancing the national health insurance scheme, Aasandha, to ensure comprehensive coverage. Furthermore, it recommends improving access to allied health professionals, such as dietitians, to promote healthy eating habits. The report also stresses the significance of implementing preventive services and organizing lifestyle intervention programs that specifically target individuals at high risk of non-communicable diseases.
