Ministry of Health has revealed that around 84% of the population of the Maldives are overweight.
A report published by the Diabetes Society of the Maldives and the health ministry show that participation in healthy physical activities has declined, leading to an increase in unhealthy weight trends. The reported revealed that 16% of Maldivians are at a healthy weight while 84% are overweight and at risk of diabetes and 23% are severely overweight.
The diabetes society conducted a nationwide screening programme for the report, and found that only 36% of the individuals met the criteria for being physically active, which was defined as exercising three times a week. The report also revealed that 40% of individuals consume fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. It was also observed that younger individuals are less likely to adopt healthy eating habits.
The report highlighted measures that can be implemented to mitigate health risks in the population. They include improving the national health insurance scheme, Aasandha, to ensure comprehensive coverage. It also recommended facilitating access to allied health professionals, such as dietitians, to promote healthy eating habits. It further stressed the importance of implementing preventive services and conducting lifestyle intervention programs specifically targeting individuals at high risk of non-communicable diseases.