Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson has called on Jamaicans to join the fight against lifestyle-related diseases, by adopting a preventative approach to their health.

He was addressing the opening ceremony for the Bethel Town and Neighbouring Communities Association Incorporated Health Fair earlier this week on the grounds of the Bethel Town Health Centre in Westmoreland.

Ferguson said ministry data indicate that the number one health problem in Jamaica is obesity.

He said this condition has far-reaching effects as it leads to the development of other non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Ferguson pointed out that in 2007, a World Bank-commissioned study showed that the direct and indirect treatment of the two leading non-communicable diseases - diabetes and high blood pressure - was costing Jamaica US$461 million per annum.

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