According to a study done by the Health Ministry, half of Colombians are overweight and are generally unhealthy.
Health Ministry official Fernando Ramirez, in conjunction with a professor from the University of Antioquia carried out a study of Colombian health. The study found that 50% of all Colombians are classified as overweight. Furthermore, 16.5% percent of that 50% are clinically obese. The study defined an overweight man as having a waist bigger than 90 centimeters and an overweight woman as having a waist over 80 centimeters.
According to Caracol Radio who interviewed Ramirez, he stated that widespread obesity
His solution to the problem is good old fashioned exercise and eating fruits and vegetables as well as consuming less alcohol and tobacco.
Other surprising statistics from the study:
- 1 in 2 are physically inactive
- 1 in 3 do not eat fruit daily, and 2 in 3 do not eat vegetables daily
- 1 in 8 adults smoke and 1 in 3 youth smoke