by Sorana Mitchell
The Battle of the Bulge is on in Grenada as the small island grapples with increasing weight gain in its population, which has been attributed to a more sedentary lifestyle, an increasing number of vehicles on the road, and a higher consumption of meals outside of the home instead of home-cooked meals.
The inherited diet, which is heavily carbohydrate-based (yams, breadfruit, green banana and dumplings, etc.), served our very physically active foreparents who worked the land. On the contrary, in this present age, the Grenada Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC) is encouraging the population to consume a variety of foods, notably more fresh fruits and vegetables, peas, beans and nuts, increase physical activity and to drink more water.
According to the Global Nutrition Report, the obesity rate among Grenadian women is higher than the regional average. The report said, “Grenada has shown limited progress towards achieving the diet-related non-communicable disease (NCD) targets. 32.4% of adult (aged 18 years and over) women and 15.6% of adult men are living with obesity. Grenada’s obesity prevalence is higher than the regional average of 30.7% for women but is lower than the regional average of 22.8% for men. At the same time, diabetes is estimated to affect 16.1% of adult women and 10.6% of adult men.”
But why do Grenadians, particularly Grenadian women, seem to be gaining more weight? I spoke with two Grenadian women whom I met in St George’s. NB: Names have been changed for privacy.
Andrea, a 46-year-old public servant, said she always struggled with maintaining a healthy weight, but also lamented the cost of food. She said, “I have been battling weight since I was a teenager. I overeat at times for different reasons. You can say, I’m an emotional eater. But, eating healthy is extremely expensive in Grenada. Fruits and vegetables cost a pound and a crown, so to speak. It is easier for me to buy rice and chicken, make a pelau that will stretch for almost a week.”
Andrea was supported by her friend, 48-year-old Sandra, who works in the service industry. Sandra said, “I love fruits and vegetables. That’s what I live on, but when I get my salary, after paying rent and other necessities, I can hardly buy fruits and vegetables. And it’s a myth that people look out for each other. People might have extra fruits and vegetables or more than they need, and they wouldn’t share or sell at a lower price. It’s hard to eat healthy.”
Sandra, who is unsure of how much she weighed but knew she was obese, began her weight loss journey 6 months ago by employing intermittent fasting and walking consistently.
Intermittent Fasting (IF) involves cycling between eating and voluntary fasting. It focuses not on what you eat but when you eat. Johns Hopkins Medicine website noted, “Many diets focus on what to eat, but intermittent fasting is all about when you eat.
With intermittent fasting, you only eat during a specific time. Research shows fasting for a certain number of hours each day or eating just one meal a couple of days a week may have health benefits.”
Sandra said, “I’m good with fasting. I don’t need to eat cooked food. I can fast and drink smoothies. And walking? Walking is the best. I used to gym in the past, but walking and fasting have done it for me. I want to lose the belly and I’m good.”
Andrea, on the other hand, has struggled with intermittent fasting. “I get gas when I don’t eat. I try drinking tea, but I still struggle. I walk, but not as consistently as Sandra. Because of my work and other responsibilities, I don’t get to do as much. However, I stuck with intermittent fasting to the best of my ability for a month and my stomach went down, my cheeks too and I move easier. So, it works. I weigh over 300 pounds and I hate that number. I really want to lose weight.”
Chief Executive Officer of the GFNC Lydia Browne reiterated the issues contributing to weight gain. Browne said, “Both sexes are generally heavier due to reduced physical activity. Car ownership is high, and eating out is more common. Fast food is prevalent, and home cooking is declining. Some cooks add sugar to traditionally savoury foods like callaloo, stewed peas, and even oil down to appeal to customers.”
When asked about different diets such as Intermittent Fasting, Browne said there are no quick fixes, but lifestyle change is key. She said, “I have a few clients that opt for intermittent fasting, and for some, they get results, while for others, not so much. This requires discipline, and you still must be cautious not to overindulge. The basic principles — lean meats, large portions of vegetables, inclusion of healthy fats like avocado, and high-fibre foods rather than simple carbs and ultra — or heavily processed foods — still apply. I do not believe that there is a quick fix unless one opts for weight loss surgery or medication. Even with these measures, lifestyle change is essential for them to be successful.”
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