74.6% Of Population Either Overweight Or Obese

July 10, 2015

Speaking in the House of Assembly on today [July 10], Minister of Health, Seniors and Environment Jeanne Atherden said the results of the ‘STEPS to a Well Bermuda’ survey results are available, and they show that  74.6% of our population is either overweight or obese, which the Minister called an “astounding and worrisome fact.”

Minister Atherden said, “This was Bermuda’s first experience with the World Health Organization’s chronic disease risk factor surveillance survey. The STEPS to a Well Bermuda survey was at its mid-way point last July and a dozen or so determined interviewers were in the field each day, battling the heat and trying to stay encouraged throughout the labor-intensive process of conducting the survey.

“Well, they succeeded. The survey process was completed in December 2014 and the results have been analyzed and are now available to be shared. 1,195 households participated in the STEPS survey.

“Regrettably, the STEPS survey found that 74.6% of our population is either overweight or obese. This is an astounding and worrisome fact, though not surprising. We have looked in the proverbial mirror, and we are not fit. Bermudians will need to acknowledge this fact and make weight reduction and fitness a priority in our lives.

“Another relevant finding from the survey was the number of individuals who reported 3 or more chronic disease risk factors which was 42% of the total population aged 18 and over. Of those with an NCD, the number who had missed work or restricted their usual activities in the past month due to an NCD was 8.2%. This fact is one small illustration of the impact of NCDs beyond the individual effects.

“The STEPS to a Well Bermuda Fact Sheets will allow us an overview of each of the chronic disease risk factors addressed in the survey so we can move forward as community to prevent and control chronic diseases on the island.”

The Minister’s full statement follows below:

Mr. Speaker, and Honorable colleagues,

A year ago, almost to the day, I rose to share an update on the STEPS to a Well Bermuda survey. As you will recall, this was Bermuda’s first experience with the World Health Organization’s chronic disease risk factor surveillance survey. The STEPS to a Well Bermuda survey was at its mid-way point last July and a dozen or so determined interviewers were in the field each day, battling the heat and trying to stay encouraged throughout the labor-intensive process of conducting the survey. Well, they succeeded!

The survey process was completed in December 2014 and the results have been analyzed and are now available to be shared.

Mr Speaker, I must again acknowledge the determined STEPS interviewers because it is due to their perseverance that I can stand before you today to share some of the results of this important population survey. Also, we have to thank the many citizens of Bermuda who welcomed the STEPS interviewers into their homes and who cooperated with the detailed health and lifestyle questionnaire, and the physical and biochemical measurements.

In the end, 1195 households participated in the STEPS survey. Participants were surveyed in their homes initially for STEPS one and two. In STEP 1 of the survey, social, demographic and lifestyle information were gathered. And in STEP 2 physical measurements such as weight, height, waist circumference, and blood pressures were measured.

Following the first two steps of the process was STEP 3, consisting of biochemical measurements. Ultimately, 467 individuals completed STEP 3, meaning that they attended a clinic for the biochemical measurements. In STEP 3, laboratory tests were done for fasting blood glucose and cholesterol.

Although this was our first experience with the STEPS survey protocol, Bermuda was able to include an optional module, STEP 4a. The Oral Health Section of the Department of Health conducted oral health screenings on a subset of the STEPS participants, and we will shortly have information from those assessments to add to the large amount of population health information gathered in this process.

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to stand before you today to share just a few of the interesting results of the survey, and to announce that a summary of the STEPS data, in the form of a Fact Sheet, is being made available on the website www.health.gov.bm. The detailed survey findings, summarized from over 250 questions or data points, will be made available and disseminated in the community in stages over the next several weeks.

The vast amount of information obtained from a population survey requires a communication plan. The quantity of information is large, the interpretations can be complex at times, and the implications for community action must be consulted on fully.

The communication plan we have devised consists of first publicizing the STEPS to a Well Bermuda Fact Sheet, followed by sequential release of detailed information. Each week between now and the end of October, we will focus on one or two health issues addressed by the survey.

This serial roll-out of information and recommendations to the public will also be accompanied by small stakeholder consultations to advance our understanding of the results and to plan interventions. The stakeholder groups will include Department of National Drug Control, Public Health partners, such as Bermuda Diabetes Association and Bermuda Heart Foundation, and specific groups of health care providers, among others.

Mr. Speaker, we will all recall that the purpose of the STEPS survey was not simply to find out information on the health and chronic disease risk factors of the community, but also to be able to utilize this health information to create appropriate interventions to improve our health.

That is precisely the intention of the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of the Ministry. We will systematically share the STEPS data findings and organize collaborative discussions to plan appropriate preventive actions.

Today, as a brief preview, I will share a few of the findings I found especially relevant. I encourage the members of this Honorable House, and all the members of the public, to go to the government website to review the Fact Sheet which summarizes the findings and gives a good overview of the chronic disease risk factor status of our island.

Mr. Speaker, risk factors are so important because “the risk factors of today are the diseases of tomorrow.” We can predicate our future population health challenges by studying the risk factor survey data we have from STEPS to a Well Bermuda.

Unfortunately, one key finding demonstrates that our concerns about the threat of chronic disease are entirely warranted because our rates of obesity and overweight are extremely high. As we know, obesity and overweight are important drivers of the epidemic of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and chronic kidney disease.

Regrettably, the STEPS survey found that 74.6% of our population is either overweight or obese. This is an astounding and worrisome fact, though not surprising. We have looked in the proverbial mirror, and we are not fit. Bermudians will need to acknowledge this fact and make weight reduction and fitness a priority in our lives.

Interestingly enough, this figure is higher than previous surveys which did not actually measure weight and height to calculate Body Mass Index. As I have said, the STEPS survey protocol included actual physical measurements which offer us an accurate accounting of our obesity and overweight prevalence.

As a result, we must accept that halting the rise in obesity and overweight will need to be a top priority for all individuals, families, schools and workplaces on the island. The STEPS data on Body Mass Index leads us to this conclusion.

The STEPS data Fact Sheet shares the information, and as a community we will need to digest this information and agree on specific lines of action.

Mr. Speaker, another relevant finding from the survey was the number of individuals who reported 3 or more chronic disease risk factors which was 42% of the total population aged 18 and over. Of those with an NCD, the number who had missed work or restricted their usual activities in the past month due to an NCD was 8.2%. This fact is one small illustration of the impact of NCDs beyond the individual effects.

Another consideration is the economic impact of NCDs, both in terms of lost productivity from disability and premature death, and the healthcare cost of medical complications. Health economists have shown that health spending harms an economy by lowering GDP and employment and increasing inflation. Prevention of chronic health conditions is a key strategy which we must adopt.

The STEPS to a Well Bermuda Fact Sheets will allow us an overview of each of the chronic disease risk factors addressed in the survey so we can move forward as community to prevent and control chronic diseases on the island. I refer the community to the website: www.health.gov.bm to view the summary information and encourage each of us to begin thinking and planning how to address the health risks before us.

Mr Speaker, in closing, this Ministry cannot emphasize enough our gratitude for the willing participation of the community in this undertaking, and for the persistence of our STEPS survey interviewers and organizers. We would not have been able to establish a population health baseline for important chronic disease risk factors without their cooperation in the STEPS survey.

Last, but hardly least, we acknowledge the support of our public health partners locally and abroad, the Bermuda Diabetes Association, the Bermuda Hospitals Board, Bermuda Heart Foundation, Bermuda Cancer and Health, the Pan American Health Organization, and the many supporters within the Department of Health.
.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The STEPS factsheet follows below [PDF here]:

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Comments (41)

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  1. meech says:

    *reads article*
    *blank stare*
    *eats another Dorito*

  2. George says:

    Wow – what a surprise?!

    Hopefully this will encourage a lot more people to attend the Health Summit on July 21st…………. or at least those who have the power to do something about this/affect change on a national scale!

    • SANDGROWNAN says:

      If they just walked to the health summit…

  3. Tired says:

    That’s why I’m on a diet! I’m tired of being part of this group of people!!

    • Regina says:

      Thank you – I’m tired of paying taxes to support your outrageous healthcare needs. Fit people don’t have as many health issues. Fact!

      • Rhonnie aka BlueFamiliar says:

        Just remember there are exceptions to every rule.

      • Misterman311 says:

        Jeez! I am gobsmacked by the insensitivity of this comment! There are other less disparaging and more constructive ways to make this point.

        @tired, if it helps at all, I recently read that a recommended max for daily sugar intake is about 24g. It may be difficult (sugar is literally addictive!) but I have seen results simply from cutting it out of my diet as much as possible. The frustrating thing I s that sugar is used in everything these days, so you need to keep you eyes on the ingredient label

        I wish you the best in your efforts to lose weight.

  4. The Dark Knight Returns says:

    Yup. Here’s a suggestion, make all the health foods cheaper and all the junk foods way more expensive. Currently it’s the wrong way round. Which sadly makes me part of this unfortunate list.

    • brigadooner says:

      Although I’m all for making healthy food cheaper, blaming your weight on economics is wrong. Speaking as someone who has to budget pretty heavily- Everyone can find away to eat healthy, and excercise is free.

      • Regina says:

        Eating less is also free.

        • Terry says:

          Tell that to people in Africa/Haiti/China/India/BERMUDA.
          A-hole.

    • TonyC says:

      Yep, definitely a tax on junk food, and use those taxes to subsidise the healthy stuff. I can only imagine what the Opposition would say to that suggestion though.

      Can I recommend a food tracking site so you can see exactly what you eat? myfitnesspal and mapmyrun are just two. I find it fascinating, and scary, but also highly motivating. I lost 7 kilos by watching what I was eating, eating sensible portions, and exercising 30 minutes a day. So easy. Drink water to stay hydrated and to stave off hunger, support your friends in their attempts to get fit and lose weight, use the stairs, find a parking space and walk to the store, don’t just double park to save yourself the effort.

      Just a few tips to get you started!

    • Terry says:

      Thing is I can take a pound of potato’s and make them into 30 bags of chips.

      You follow?

      • TonyC says:

        That’s fine, grill them, don’t fry them. Simple.

  5. Rhonnie aka BlueFamiliar says:

    Usually I don’t put much stock in survey results, but this one… yep, I’d say dead on. And it should come as no surprise to anyone.

    And for the record, I’m one in the obese category, but working on it.

  6. Family Man says:

    Mobility scooters could be a future growth business in Bermuda.

  7. I LOVE MY LIFE!! says:

    Cheeeeeeeeeeeeesh!!!!!!!!! Its that many FAT people on this small little island! That’s sad!!

  8. NewSimons says:

    Seems as if Bermuda is good hunting grounds for me to continue my search for a nice fluffy lady!

  9. KarmaIsAB says:

    Really?!… LOL

    I mean I’ve seen a few thickems and fluffy’s but not more than half the island. WOW!!!

    • TonyC says:

      You’re kidding me, right? Come on, take a look around you, it’s scary. Google obese and you may be surprised what it means.

  10. 21st Century says:

    I agree that overweight and obesity are a problem, but, purely calculating this on a weight v. height basis skews the stats. I’m 5′ 10″ 180 lbs in good health and considered overweight. Doesn’t take into account fat v muscle. By these simplified measures Arnold Schwarzenegger is obese.

    • Catherine Dalziel says:

      This is true – but few people intact fit into this category – and the majority are actually overweight/obese, and this is the international scale by which it is measured.

  11. campervan says:

    I’m afraid that this is just one other reason that we need to welcome in our expatriate population.
    Not trying to be funny but I’d put money on it that “pound-for-pound” they are leaner on average, and having them here goes a long way to keeping our crazy health insurance down.
    Just look at those recent figures on diabetes costs for Bery, they were mind blowing and unsustainable.

  12. San George says:

    Knowledge is power – can’t know what you don’t know.
    Food companies exist for their profit, not our health.
    Read “Paleo Diet” and “Why We Get Fat” – total cost < $25.00
    Sugar is the enemy!
    Eat meat, veg. and nuts.
    You will live better and save money.
    Save lives – the life you save maybe yours.

    Quo Fata Ferunt

    • Rhonnie aka BlueFamiliar says:

      Paleo, while not a bad way of eating is based on a false premise and like the food companies the author’s are all about making money. Hence the books, etc.

      Save you’re money.

      All you need to know is:
      The less processed and fresher the better.
      Portion control.
      Drink water.
      Move more

    • TonyC says:

      Nut have a lot of calories, eat them in moderation. It’s all right there on the label.

  13. bob13 says:

    She says “make weight reduction and fitness a priority in our lives”. All whilst the OBA let the Botanical Gardens crumble… an open space, where people can walk, and get healthy, and enjoy nature, and be with family, and away from the hustle and bustle of walking in the city. Yet they can’t keep it in good condition. So stop talking out of both sides of your mouth. Actions speak louder than words…

    • jtv says:

      You can lead a horse to water….

    • campervan says:

      Its not my fault!!! The government has made me fat!
      The OBA forced me to eat that fried chicken dinner.
      Take some personal responsibility for goodness sake.

      • jtv says:

        There’s the meat of it…and of so much more.

  14. mumbojumbo says:

    The best thing for obese people to do ,really is to onece a week Saturday night…now…this is an old fisherman’s trick…you gollah take a glass of black seal rum,a bag of cold slaw with cool whip mayonnaise innit…then at least eight ounces of raw peanuts…top it off with baked beans and cut franks…or franks and beans…molassas optional….then sit or lay down relax and let the magic happiness…you’ll be glad you did! The only other way is of course reduce sugars to nil and cut back on honey and molasas.

  15. mumbojumbo says:

    Happin….not happiness…ship!!!!

  16. LoOK around says:

    One only has to look around Bermuda and it is painfully obvious that being over weight is the norm not the exception. That goes for both men and women. We eat very poorly, choosing starches and carbohydrates over fresh produce. We drive everywhere. When you look at sports like cycling and running you see more of one group of people than the other.

  17. Shipity ship ship ship!

  18. i wanna be healthy but.. says:

    I paid $3 for one tomato at the grocery store, a bag of fries is $2. When money is an issue what is the average person supposed to do?

    • Family Man says:

      I know right! Have you seen how much they want for fresh raspberries and a small avocado? And I just can’t afford to buy three passion fruit every week.

      A bag of dried mixed beans for soup is less than $1.50. Cheaper still on Wednesday. A bag of frozen mixed veg is about what you paid for your single tomato.

      Choose wisely.

    • Zevon says:

      Eat an apple and exercise for an hour. Go for a walk.

  19. Legal Eagle says:

    AND price/tax cigarettes out of existance!!!!!!!

  20. bluebird says:

    75% overweight just goes to show Bermudians are LIVING LARGE.
    Tell me one other country that has the same percentage ??
    So stop complaining about everything,we do have a very blessed life
    at this time.

    • Toodle-oo says:

      Check ‘em out ! All complaining about how how hard done by they are and still buying take out food for every meal like they have no kitchens at home .

      I dropped 28 pounds when I lost my job and my BMI is now better than perfect. No free meals or takeouts or eating out in 3 years.
      So that ought to suggest something .

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