Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony is urging persons with obesity to ensure they are vaccinated against COVID-19.
Today has been designated World Obesity Day by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Minister Anthony, speaking during the daily COVID-19 update, said obesity is a risk factor for diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidemia and other diseases that could cause premature death.
“With COVID-19, we have also seen that persons who are obese would be at a higher risk for COVID-19, and we have seen that in the global statistics and we have seen that locally as well, so there is an increased risk if you are obese,” Dr. Anthony said.
He said vaccines are easily accessible in Guyana, however persons are still hesitant to take the jab.
“It is a big problem and among the obese you would find persons who might have gotten misinformation and therefore they are reluctant to come and get vaccinated.
For example, maybe a person who has diabetes, they think they shouldn’t get the vaccine because they are diabetic and that’s not so. In fact, because of the risk, you have a higher risk of getting Covid, then you should go and get your vaccines,” Dr. Anthony urged.
In managing the disease, the Minister said persons could check their Body Mass Index (BMI), practice healthy habits and consult with their local health care provider if they are at risk for obesity and diseases associated with it.
He noted that a doctor could help decide the best treatment option for the individual. These include diet, exercise, medication or even surgery, depending on the individual.
Minister Anthony said the ministry has developed several guidelines and persons have been trained at the different health centres to be able to provide this type of guidance.
“We have printed materials, we have video material and, in some instances, the team from the ministry would go out into the community, go to specific areas and they would do demonstration of how to cook these types of meals,” he said. He noted that the Food and Nutrition Unit at the ministry can work with communities and organisations to hold talks on this topic.