Gender Specific BMI Trends in Vanuatu: Evaluating Determinants of the Female-Predominant BMI Increase

Authors: Charlene Chiu, Timothy Butcher, Rebecca Karaman, Kieran Kapfer, Nancy Jiang, Olivia LaSalle

Field of Study: Health and Wellness

Program Affiliation: Health and Wellness Studies

Faculty Mentors: Jeffrey Lum

Easel: 76

Timeslot: Midday

Abstract: As obesity rates surge globally, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) follow suit with Pacific Island nations being some of the most obese nations in the world, due to rapid market integration and their accompanying health transitions. The Republic of Vanuatu, an archipelago in the South Pacific, has a population of over 300,000, inhabiting 63 islands, with the primary focus on the health transitions of its southmost island, Aneityum. Urban residents rely on Western-style supermarkets, while rural residents live on a diet of traditional, garden grown foods. This study goes on to examine increasing Body Mass Index (BMI) values from 2007 to 2023 between 43 adults, 22 females and 19 males, looking at whether rising BMI rates stem from factors such as western dietary influence or technological advancements.