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With a population of just 1.4 million, Trinidad and Tobago is ranked among the top countries in the world for the consumption of sugary drinks.
The average T&T adult consumes about 99 liters of sugary drinks each year.
These were the conclusions of a recent study carried out by the Health Economics Unit (HEU) of the University of the West Indies (UWI), in collaboration with the Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy. (IECS) in Argentina.
The project research team was led by the director of the University of Applied Sciences, Dr Althea La Foucade, and consisted of Vyjanti Beharry, Samuel Gabriel, Dr Kimberly-Ann Gittens-Baynes, Dr Christine Laptiste and Charmaine Metivier.
The study determined that the economic cost of sugary drinks to the country is significant, with around $ 156 million (1.37% of T & T’s annual investment in healthcare) spent annually in the healthcare system. public to treat diseases associated with excessive consumption of sugary drinks. .
62% overweight in T&T
“Of this amount, about $ 13 million has been estimated for the treatment of overweight and obesity (in childhood, adolescence and adulthood for both sexes),” the study said. “The majority, $ 143 million, was associated with the treatment of diabetes, cardiovascular and kidney disease, musculoskeletal disorders, cancer and other conditions, which may be associated with excessive consumption of sugary drinks.”
The study also noted that 62 percent of T&T residents are overweight or obese, while 12 percent of T&T citizens have type 2 diabetes.
He said around 387 people are likely to die from complications from consuming too many sugary drinks.
The researchers recommended putting in place a tax of at least 20 percent on the prices of sugary drinks, which they said would result in a 13 to 22.5 percent drop in consumption.
The research project was funded by the International Development Research Center.
The first activity of the project was a two-day regional policy dialogue coordinated by IECS, which took place in May 2018 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The workshop brought together 35 participants from countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Participants included representatives of research teams from four study countries (Argentina, Brazil, El Salvador and Trinidad and Tobago), as well as policy makers, academics, civil society representatives and strategic partners of the ALC region.
Presentations were made by representatives of each country studied, who detailed the policy measures implemented to reduce the excessive consumption of sugary drinks.
A report produced by the T&T team of researchers noted that obesity is a global epidemic, with many factors contributing to its steady rise.
“Two of them are unhealthy eating habits and a lack of exercise. Consuming sugary drinks is a primary source of calories, with a high sugar content and no other nutrients, ”he said.
The researchers hope the study results will raise awareness of the potential impact of excessive sugar consumption on the health system and the economy.
The project also aimed to support decision-makers in the implementation of policies to control sugary drinks.
Participants from Trinidad and Tobago included representatives from HEU, Center for Health Economics, Ministry of Health, and the Trinidad and Tobago Noncommunicable Diseases Alliance / Trinidad Diabetes Association. and-Tobago.
Part of the research was carried out in 2020 by researchers and health decision-makers at universities, research centers and public institutions in the four study countries.
The report states that the study results were obtained using a mathematical model developed by the research team.
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