Jamaica student obesity rates rise to 15.3%

A recent Global School-based Health Survey (GSHS) conducted by the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) reveals a significant rise in obesity and overweight rates among Jamaican students. The survey, which included 3,058 respondents from 32 schools, found that 15.3% of students are now obese and 31.7% are overweight. This marks a substantial increase from 2010, when obesity stood at 6% and overweight at 21.7%.

The report also highlighted concerning lifestyle trends, including a decline in physical activity from 23.2% in 2017 to 19.6% in 2026. Sedentary behavior has increased, with 68% of students sitting for more than three hours per day, often attributed to long hours spent on the internet. Additionally, 70.2% of students reported getting less than eight hours of sleep.

The NCDA warned that these trends increase the risk of chronic diseases, mental health problems, and poor academic performance. The council has called for the promotion of healthy school food environments, increased physical activity, and better sleep habits.