CHILDHOOD OBESITY PREVENTION

Dr. Virginia Asin Oostburg MD, MPH, BPT

Head Collective Prevention Services

Ministry of Public Health Social Development & Labour, Sint Maarten

CONTENT Introduction BAHI Interventions Research 0-4 years & 12-18 years Nutrition Matters Get Checked Current pilot project(s)

INTRODUCTION

POLICY PLAN FOR HEALTH MATTERS Build a Healthy Island (BAHI – 2002) The Government of St. Maarten

recognized the importance of a broad based policy plan for health matters.

Promote and protect the well being of the population.

Priority C: Aimed at developing prevention activities targeting health promotion and education pertaining to lifestyle, eating habits, overweight and exercise.

INTERVENTIONS

Nutrition Manual Take the Challenge: “A Positive Change in

Lifestyle” (2005)To bring about behavioral changes in lifestyle as it

pertains to eating habits as well as physical fitness.

Take the Challenge: “Eat Healthy St. Maarten” (2007)To educate and motivate the youth to become

conscious healthy eaters Jump In Breakfast Pilot Project School Educational sessions Promotional Materials on Nutrition

RESEARCHYOUTH OBESITY 0-4YEARS

A study from 2009 To determine if there is a relation with the

parents, nutrition and physical activity behavior.33% over weight 44% obese36% limited exposure to Fruits & Vegetables31% picky eaters

RESEARCH YOUTH OBESITY 12-18 YEARS

A study from 2010 To determine the weight situation of

the 0 -4 year old children on Dutch St. Maarten.

39% over weight 54% obeseKnowledge

NUTRITION MATTERS8 – 12 YEARS

2012 Nutritional knowledge had a

positive outcome Necessity for additional

nutritional knowledge for students regarding health dietary behavior

GET CHECKED CAMPAIGN Initiated in 2012

Aim to promote healthy living and behavior for all people working and living on St. Maarten.

The main objective is to ensure that prevention is integrated in all policies and in all aspects of our programs.

NUTRITION AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

A Comprehensive Nutrition & Physical Education Program For the prevention, management

and control of obesity with special focus on childhood obesity.