Launch Plan to Combat Obesity in Aruba

This strategy focuses on a multisectoral approach to decrease overweight and obesity rates in Aruba while enhancing public health.

A Growing Health Concern

Aruba is currently facing an alarming situation. In recent years, rates of overweight and obesity have continued to rise:

• 79% of the population is overweight (equivalent to 4 out of 5 people)
• 46% are obese, approximately 49,382 individuals
• Among children, the rate is around 42.7%

Minister Wyatt-Ras emphasized:

“Obesity is not a secondary issue; it is a challenge that directly impacts the health of our people and manifests its consequences in all sectors of society.”

Human and Economic Impact
Obesity significantly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a large share of ICU patients were overweight or obese—highlighting the heightened vulnerability of this group.

The economic burden is equally substantial:

• AWG 2.907,00 in health-care costs per person per year
• Approximately AWG 248 million annually in obesity-related expenses
• About 52% of total health-care costs are linked to obesity

A Strategic Plan with Local and International Support
The plan forms part of the Country Cooperation Strategy 2025–2030 with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and aligns with the National Multisectoral Plan of Action for Non-Communicable Diseases. It incorporates a “Health in All Policies” approach, integrating health considerations across public policy sectors.

Goals for 2030 include:

• Reducing obesity rates by 3–5%;
• Creating environments that support healthy lifestyles;
• Strengthening prevention, detection, and early treatment.

The strategy is built around four pillars:

• Promote healthy lifestyles;
• Strengthen community care and programs;
• Implement healthier nutrition guidelines and options;
• Improve food management and regulation.

Key actions include Clinical Lifestyle Interventions (CLI), children’s programs such as Cool2Bfit, accessible dietitian support, improved school and catering food standards, clearer nutritional labeling, and guidance on food offerings and marketing. The plan also highlights physical activity as a normal part of daily life and encourages collaboration with various sectors to expand healthy options in supermarkets, restaurants, and food trucks.

A Call for National Collaboration

Minister Wyatt-Ras stressed that broad national participation is essential:
“Government can provide direction and establish the necessary conditions, but we need the involvement of schools, employers, sports clubs, supermarkets, the catering sector, health-care providers, families, and citizens to achieve real change.”

She also emphasized the importance of dignity and respect:
“Obesity is not a shame. People who struggle with obesity deserve respect, understanding, and dignified care.”

The Council of Ministers has approved the plan, and implementation will take place from 2025 to 2030.