With just 1.4 million people, Trinidad and Tobago is among the world’s leading countries in the consumption of sugary drinks.
The average adult in T&T consumes about 99 liters of sugary drinks each year.
These were some of the results of a recent study conducted by the Health Economics Unit (HEU) of the University of the West Indies (UWI), in collaboration with the Institute for Clinical Efficacy and the health policies (IECS) of Argentina.
The research team of the project was led by Dr. Althea La Foucade, director of the European Union, and was formed by Vyjanti Beharry, Samuel Gabriel, Dra. Kimberly-Ann Gittens-Baynes, Dra. Christine Laptiste and Charmaine Metivier.
The study found that the economic cost of sugary drinks in the country is significant, with approximately $ 156 million (1.37% of T&T’s annual investment in health care) going to the public health system annually for treat diseases associated with excessive consumption of sugary drinks. .
62% overweight in T&T
“Of that amount, an estimated $ 13 million was estimated for the treatment of overweight and obesity (in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood for both sexes),” the study said. “Most, $ 143 million, was associated with the treatment of diabetes, cardiovascular and kidney disease, musculoskeletal disorders, cancer and other conditions, which can be associated with excessive consumption of sugary drinks.”
The study also noted that 62% of people in T&T are overweight or obese, while 12% of T&T citizens have type 2 diabetes.
It was said that it is likely that around 387 people will die from complications related to the consumption of excessive sugary drinks.
The researchers recommended the implementation of a tax of at least 20% on the prices of sugar-sweetened beverages, which they said would mean a reduction in consumption from 13% to 22.5%.
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 Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries. Participants included representatives of research teams from four study countries (Argentina, Brazil, El Salvador and Trinidad and Tobago), as well as decision-makers, academics, civil society representatives and strategic partners. of the LAC region.
Representations from each country in the study made presentations, detailing the policy measures implemented to reduce excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.
A report by the T&T research team noted that obesity is a global epidemic, with many factors contributing to its steady rise.
“Two of these are unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercise. Intake of sugary drinks is a major source of calories, high in sugar and without other nutrients,” he said.
The researchers hope the results of the study will raise awareness about the potential impact of excessive sugar consumption on both the health care system and the economy.
The project also aimed to support decision makers in implementing sugar-sweetened beverage control policies.
Participants from Trinidad and Tobago included representatives from HEU, the Center for Health Economics, the Ministry of Health and the Trinidad and Tobago Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance / The Diabetes Association of Trinidad and Tobago .
Part of the research work was carried out in 2020 by researchers and health decision-makers at universities, research centers and public institutions in the four countries where it is studied.
The report said the results of the study were obtained using a mathematical model developed by the research team.