Health minister Kim Wilson called on all corners of society to jump aboard a national health drive.

Ms Wilson said the 50 Million Steps Challenge will help combat a health epidemic in which 75 per cent of adults are overweight or obese, 33 per cent have high blood pressure and 12 per cent report having diabetes.

She said the project, launched by the Department of Health in June, has already passed the 50 million mark, and is on course to reach 100 million. Ms Wilson personally logged 13,068 steps yesterday.

She told MPs at the House of Assembly: “I think everyone in Bermuda is now fully aware of the damage being caused to our community by our high rates of obesity and chronic non-communicable conditions like diabetes.

“These preventable conditions cut our lives short, are notoriously expensive to treat, and destroy quality of life and productivity.

“Most western, high-income countries are grappling with this problem and Bermuda is no different.

“However, the Ministry of Health is committed to combating this scourge on our population, and our Throne Speech promised that the Government will engage all sectors of society in a coordinated, strategic plan to halt the rise in obesity and diabetes in Bermuda.”

She described the 50 Million Steps programme as “an opportunity for residents to improve our island’s health while having fun at the same time”.

She said: “Participants were encouraged to join their parish team and collectively walk 50 million steps. In addition, friendly competition between the nine parish teams was encouraged in order to see which team will be ranked with the highest step average.”

The winning parish will be announced at the annual Celebrating Wellness event on Wednesday, September 27, at Victoria Park, from 4pm to 8pm. It will receive outdoor fitness equipment to be placed in a designated park.

She added: “Initiatives like this promote the importance of active living. Physical activity and healthy eating have long been proven to reduce the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

“Consistent physical activity like walking helps also improve quality of life, mental health and healthy ageing.

“In addition, walking is a truly affordable way of improving one’s health. It doesn’t require a gym membership or expensive equipment. Just a pair of shoes.

“It is going to take an all-of-society approach to tackle the obesity epidemic, including the private and public sectors, supermarkets, restaurants, educators and policymakers. All of us are needed to address this very serious health problem.”

Ms Wilson also urged walkers and joggers to “please wear reflective gear while on Bermuda’s roads, especially when there is poor visibility at night”.

She said: “I have personally seen too many walkers in the dark who are not visible until a vehicle is too close. Walkers: you can see the cars, but the cars can’t see you without reflective gear. Please wear it.”

To join, visit www.stridekick.com/tc/bermuda or e-mail healthpromotion@gov.bm

• To read Ms Wilson’s statement in full, click on the PDF under “Related Media”