Increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods among young people continues to contribute to a rise in childhood obesity in Barbados and across the Caribbean, Youth Advocacy Officer with the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Barbados, Kabira Foster, has warned.

Foster was speaking to Barbados TODAY on the sidelines of the third Hope for the Future event held in National Heroes Square, Bridgetown, on Saturday, which again raised awareness about unhealthy food and beverage marketing aimed at children and advocated for healthier school environments.

The event formed part of the Foundation’s Make It Make Sense 2.0 campaign and follows previous efforts to encourage healthier eating habits among children.