CAYMAN ISLANDS – Health City Cayman Islands joins the global community in observing World Obesity Day on March 4, raising awareness about the growing impact of overweight and obesity on individuals and communities around the world.
Globally, more than 1 billion people are living with overweight and obesity. By 2035, an estimated 4 billion people, nearly half of the world’s population, are projected to be overweight or obese. Since 1975, childhood obesity has risen dramatically with rates increasing nearly fivefold, particularly among low- and middle-income families. Obesity significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and certain cancers.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity was associated with more than 3.5 million deaths worldwide in 2024. In the Caribbean, one in every three children is overweight or obese. In 2022, the estimated prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults in the Region of the Americas reached 67.5 percent.
Locally, the STEPS 2023 National Health Survey on understanding the prevalence of risk factors for non-communicable diseases in the Cayman Islands revealed:
● 70 percent of individuals are overweight or obese.
● 35 percent of adults with raised blood pressure are undiagnosed.
● 30 percent of adults have raised blood pressure or are on medication for it — increasing to 47.5 percent among those aged 45–69 with one in three in this group having stage 2 hypertension.
● 24 percent of adults have never measured their blood sugar level.
● 34 percent have two to three risk factors for obesity.
● 63 percent of adults have one to two risk factors for non-communicable diseases.
Obesity can be managed through multiple pathways of medical and surgical care at Health City Cayman Islands. The Health City team provides counselling to support individuals in making and maintaining sustainable lifestyle changes.
One of the most recent strategies adopted by the medical team, and approved by WHO in September 2025, is the use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes healthy nutrition, regular physical activity and professional medical support.
Health City also offers advanced bariatric surgical solutions. When traditional weight-loss measures, such as diet and exercise, have not been successful, or when excess weight has led to serious health complications, bariatric surgery may be considered.
Bariatric (metabolic) surgery involves altering the digestive system to promote weight loss by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold and influencing key gastrointestinal hormones that regulate hunger and metabolism. Modern techniques are minimally invasive with the use of laparoscopic and robotic methods. These procedures reduce stomach size and may bypass part of the intestine, leading to reduced calorie intake and beneficial metabolic changes.
Complication rates are low and compare favorably with other common surgical procedures such as gallbladder removal, hysterectomy and hip replacement.
Beyond weight loss, bariatric surgery offers additional health benefits including:
● Reducing or eliminating the need for diabetes medications
● Lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDL (good) cholesterol
● Improving fertility in women with obesity
● Increasing testosterone levels in severely obese men
● Improving or resolving high blood pressure
● Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke
● Improving fatty liver disease
The journey begins with a comprehensive consultation to review weight history, associated medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea and acid reflux, and previous attempts at weight management.
A multidisciplinary team, including a surgeon, psychiatrist, nutritionist, pulmonologist, cardiologist, physician and physiotherapist, collaborate to optimize outcomes and assess readiness for the lifelong lifestyle changes required after surgery.
Postoperative care is carefully managed. Within 24 hours of surgery, a dye X-ray study is conducted to monitor for leaks and ensure patient safety. Patients begin a clear liquids diet before discharge, followed by a structured progression from a low-calorie liquid diet to pureed foods and eventually to regular foods as healing progresses.
Vitamin and micronutrient supplementation is recommended long-term to support overall health.
Bariatric Surgery Patient Adrean Russell
Recently, Health City performed gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) on Caymanian resident Adrean Russell. The procedure removes a large portion of the stomach, leaving a narrow sleeve that limits food intake and reduces hunger signals. It is offered to individuals with clinically severe obesity seeking effective and sustainable weight loss.
Reflecting on his transformation, Russell shared, “When I’m on the field walking with pace or training in the gym, it feels like I’m a new person. For me, movement is about not having to think about limitations and just doing what I want to do — to be who I want to be. Lately, I’ve noticed that my body responds differently and has higher limits.”
He admitted, “There was a time when I did not try because I was afraid of what I might not be able to do.” Back then, he said, even simple things like quick movements, stretching or warming up felt too difficult. At some point, he realized he did not want that to be his story anymore and decided to take control of his path — a decision that led to bariatric surgery at Health City.
“I remember when short runs felt impossible, and now it’s something I actually look forward to,” he added, noting that the biggest difference for him is his confidence and stamina. “Changing my story means choosing better for myself and for my loved ones. These days, when I move — 150 pounds lighter — it feels like I’m going somewhere. I took control. I’m doing the work. I changed my story, and my journey continues.”
“Bariatric surgery is more than a procedure — it’s a life-changing opportunity. Our goal at Health City Cayman Islands is to provide safe, effective care that not only supports weight loss but also improves overall health, confidence and prolongs life,” said Dr. Jayant Gul Mulchandani, Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist at Health City Cayman Islands.
Through innovation and compassionate care, Health City Cayman Islands continues to play a vital role in tackling obesity and supporting healthier lives.
