Objective: Obesity and hypertension, which are associated with cardiovascular disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM), have become a major health concern in Aruba. The present study was aimed to determine the incidence of obesity and potential hypertension among Hyatt employees in Oranjestad, Aruba.

 

Method: On November 9, 2012, students from the Xavier University School of Medicine, Aruba, conducted a health fair for the employees of the Hyatt Hotel in Aruba – one of the largest hotels in the capital city of Oranjestad. The Medical students collected the information through questionnaire-based survey and physical examinations. This cross-sectional study measured the weight, height, random blood glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressures of the participants.

 

Results: One hundred and fourteen individuals (19%) participated out of the 509 Hyatt employees. Obesity, hypertensive readings and potential diabetes or pre-diabetes was noted among the majority of the participants; and 46% (52/114) of the respondents were overweight and 37% (43/114) were obese. Hypertensive BPs were detected in 33% (38/114) of the participants. Students’ t-test showed no significant correlation between the subjects’ gender and the following variables: BMI, random blood glucose, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, and the hypertensive findings. Based on the random blood sugar readings, 4/114 individuals were at risk for diabetes. The four individuals had a random blood sugar reading of 11.1 mmol/L or higher. 

 

Conclusion: Many of the participants in this study, presented with both obesity and possible hypertension. It is logical to expect a significant risk for cardiovascular disease and Type 2 DM in the participants’ population.