| Title: |
Are Jamaicans ready to change their Sugar and Fat Consumption Habits? |
| Authors: |
HENRY, FITZROY J.; AARONS, RENELLE; WHITE-BARROW, VANESSA; WEATHERLY, KERRY; MATTIS-ROBINSON, NOVLETTE |
| Source: |
Journal of Arts Science & Technology; 2018Special issue, Vol. 11, p9-22, 14p |
| Subject Terms: |
OBESITY risk factors; LIFESTYLES & health; PUBLIC health administration |
| Abstract: |
The rapid increase of obesity in Jamaica is fueling the chronic diseases which are the overwhelming cause of death. Although poor diet and exercise habits are known to be the main contributors to these diseases, it is now recognized that understanding the processes of developing and maintaining healthy habits is as important as the health effects of these habits. We studied 1057 adults across Jamaica using the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change to explain the associated behaviors necessary to achieve change. We found 60% of adults were either overweight or obese and more often in females, rural areas and older adults. Further, most of the respondents were not prepared to change their high intakes of sugar and fat: 72% with BMI 30 and 40% with a chronic disease. Prevention programs that assume that the entire target audience is ready to eat less sugar and fat are unlikely to succeed. Different strategies may be required to change behavior at different stages. This high level of reluctance to consume less sugar and fat suggests that educational approaches for voluntary change must be accompanied by more structural and regulatory approaches to achieve the desired behavioral changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| : |
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| Database: |
Complementary Index |