The Pan American Health Organisation is strengthening efforts to curb obesity in nine Latin American and Caribbean countries, including Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados.

PAHO recently observed World Obesity Day and noted this region recorded the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity in the world.

Strategies to address this challenge include the application of front-of-package warning labels, the regulation of foods offered in schools, the adoption of fiscal policies that promote healthy diets and the improvement of physical activity in schools.

Other countries pioneering this initiative include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Uruguay.