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t h
E u r o p e a n C o n g r e s s o n
Obesity and
Eating Disorder
Obesity 2018
Journal of Obesity & Eating Disorders
ISSN 2471-8203
A p r i l 1 2 - 1 3 , 2 0 1 8
Am s t e r d a m , N e t h e r l a n d s
Page 36
O
besity as a disease has reached historical, maximal peak values, with
nearly one-third of the world’s population suffering from obesity and
obesity-related conditions. We are now witnessing the impact of this epidemic
upon the global health status, with non-communicable diseases on the rise.
We have also witnessed the shortcomings and failures of past actions taken
when obesity is already present. In Aruba, a prevalence of 36% of childhood
obesity was found in 2005, with a tendency to increase as compared to the
data prior to 2000. Actions to improve heathy eating habits, reduce sedentary
lifestyle and enable a social environment to prevent obesity were carried out
in a systematic plan in the period from 2009–2013 and a positive change was
observed in the incidence of obesity compatible with complete deceleration
of the epidemic and improvement in health indicators. Through the lessons
learned from the project as executed in Aruba, we demonstrate how a specific
road map can be developed, implemented and highly successful in addressing
the obesity epidemic. The roadmap includes the following steps: a population
all basis-line study, an awareness campaign, an approved action plan by the
stakeholders and Government, changes in infrastructure, the creation of an
institute to promote a healthy lifestyle, an introduction to the ‘Exercise is
Medicine’ initiative, and a study of progress with ongoing monitoring.
Biography
Richard W M Visser DC, PhD has focused on the pandemic
of childhood obesity among various populations, working in
consultation with other international experts. He studied the
problem and implemented solutions from many perspectives:
as a clinical researcher, academic and educator, activist and
politician, entrepreneur, concerned citizen and parent. His work
has made vital contributions to a greater understanding of the
biological, sociological, and psychological factors surrounding
childhood obesity. Early in 2008, he was appointed by the Gov-
ernment of Aruba to head the Obesity Task Force, and a year
later, he began his four-year term 2009-2013 as Minister of
Health, and Sport for Aruba. Today, he continues his innovative
approach as CEO of VERA Health and Education.
drvisser@me.comThe Aruba Project, a road map for population approach to
combating obesity
Richard W M Visser
American College of Sports Medicine, Aruba
Richard W M Visser, J Obes Eat Disord 2018, Volume: 4
DOI: 10.21767/2471-8203-C1-008