During the annual check-ups, I usually encourage my patients to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. This is particularly important for our women because a survey conducted by the University of the West Indies and the Ministry of Health showed that the percentage of overweight and obese women is double that of men.

Obesity is not only associated with conditions that affect both men and women such as diabetes, hypertension and arthritis, but it is linked to many conditions that are unique to women. Pregnancy complications associated with obesity include an increased risk of miscarriages, having a large baby, gestational hypertension and diabetes and Caesarean sections. Other conditions, including polycystic ovary syndrome, endometrial and breast cancers, are also linked to obesity.

Can't the find time

Studies have shown that exercise is an important component in both achieving and maintaining weight loss. The most common excuse among my patients who do not exercise on a regular basis is a lack of time. I am, however, convinced that we tend to make time for the things that we enjoy and which are important to us. For all women, (whether obese or at normal weight), exercise should be an important part of their life.

That being said, although I am a firm believer in the necessity of regular exercise, I have never been a true lover of exercise. Over the years, I've tried many methods to blend the exercise requirements with an enjoyable experience. These experiences ranged from tennis lessons to ballroom and even hip-hop dancing. Since my return to Jamaica, five years ago, I have also visited several different gyms to find an exercise programme that I enjoy.

Mix exercise and dance

Knowing of my interest in exercise and dance, my sister-in-law, an avid exerciser, invited me to a Zumba lesson at Afya, a quiet little studio in St Andrew. Zumba is a style of exercise created in the 1990s that fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves to create a dynamic fitness programme and is usually taught by Gia Abrahams.

However, this past Tuesday, I enjoyed one hour of dancehall dancing under the instruction of Nina Miskovsky a European, (and now Jamaican) with a passionate love of dancehall music. The class not only provided an excellent workout, but reminded me about our wonderful culture of dance and that many of our dancehall songs have lyrics which are suitable for all ages. Although the class was small, it was refreshing to see women of different ages and body types represented.

Exercise every day

Women should aim for about 30 to 60 minutes of moderate intensity exercise daily or at least most days of the week. The amount of exercise she requires will depend on her specific health needs, including factors such as being overweight and heart disease. Women with time constraints should be relieved to know that even if they break up their exercise into shorter intervals at the same intensity, they can achieve similar fitness benefits. For example, she can exercise for three, 10-minute sessions over the course of the day.

Therefore, for all women embarking on a weight- or health- maintenance programme, I encourage you to explore and try different types of exercise until you find one that excites you. It may not involve going to a gym, it could be as simple as walking or maybe dancing along with an Elephant Man video and 'gully-creep' your way into a healthy body.

Dr Monique Rainford is a consulting obstetrician and gynaecologist; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.