Obesity in Tuvalu

Tuvalu
Flag
Location of Tuvalu in Oceania
Capital	Funafuti
Other languages	Tuvaluan, English
Area
• Total	26 km2 (10 sq mi)
Currency	Tuvaluan dollar, Australian dollar

Tuvalu, a small island nation located in Australia and Oceania, has been grappling with a significant health issue - obesity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the adult obesity rate in Tuvalu was 51.6% in 2016, ranking it 5th globally. This high obesity rate is a major public health concern, contributing to a range of chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Healthcare in Tuvalu

The primary healthcare facility in Tuvalu is the Princess Margaret Hospital located in the capital, Funafuti. This hospital provides a range of services including general medical and surgical care. However, it lacks specialized weight management or bariatric services.

Obesity in Tuvalu

The high obesity rate in Tuvalu is attributed to a combination of factors including dietary changes, sedentary lifestyle, and genetic predisposition. Traditional diets rich in fish and local fruits have been replaced by imported processed foods high in sugar and fat. Physical activity levels have also decreased due to urbanization and changes in transportation.

Efforts to Combat Obesity

The Tuvalu government, in collaboration with international organizations like the WHO, has initiated several programs to combat obesity. These include promoting healthy diets, encouraging physical activity, and providing health education. However, the lack of specialized weight management services remains a challenge.

See Also

• Health in Tuvalu
• Obesity by country
• List of countries by Body Mass Index (BMI)