CHILDHOOD OBESITY OVERWEIGHTPoverty volume1, 2006) .The highest poverty rates in2005/06 were in the districts of Anse La Raye/Canaries (44.9%), Micoud (43.6%),Soufriere (42.5%) and Laborie (42.1%). The poverty gap and poverty severity also occurred in these same districts (GOVST, 2006)

Furthermore, because of poverty and living in rural areas, most people consume less expensive and often high fat foods, and less fruits and vegetables (Henchy et al, 2000). Brown et al, (2005) described how socioeconomic position influences health among persons with diabetes. Diabetes is twice more prevalent in low income populations compared to wealthy populations (Stelmach W et al; 2009). Some explanations for this increased risk among people of low-income or resource-poor areas include increased stress, low access to medical and preventive care, and poor environment.

1.5 Diet, nutrition and chronic diseases

There are clear associations between the various biomedical and behavioural chronic disease risk factors, and it is well established that diet quality and healthy eating practices play an important role in both preventing and managing chronic diseases and the factors that increase their risk (Kant A.K, 2004). The links with food and nutritional status are especially strong in the case of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and their risk factors (metabolic syndrome, obesity, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia). The food we eat, in all cultural selection, defines one’s health, growth and development. Risk behaviours, particularly smoking and sedentarism, alter the result (). All this takes place in a social, cultural, political and economic environment that can exacerbate the health of populations.

Diet is a key component in predisposing to chronic disease, mainly where diet is energy dense causing positive energy balance and obesity. Adoption of western diet which are high in fats , aminal protein, refined carbohydrates and low in fibre, fruits and vegetable can further increase one risk of developing no of more chronic disease(). Several studies have demonstrated a