OBESITY ON THE RISE IN AFRICA-WHO REPORTS

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says there is a need to address the burden of obesity in Africa.

According to the new World Health Organisation analysis, if no robust measures are taken to reverse the trends of obesity in the continent, one in five adults and one in 10 children and teenagers are projected to be obese by December 2023 in 10 high-burden African countries.

The prevalence of obesity among adults in the 10 high-burden countries will range from 13.6% to 31%, while in children and adolescents it will range from 5% to 16.5%.

WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti, said Africa also faces a growing problem of overweight in children which is also a ticking time bomb.

"In 2019, the continent was home to 24% of the world’s overweight children aged under 5," said Dr Moeti.

However, Dr Moeti said the burden of obesity and overweight can be resolved since most of the causes are preventable and reversible.

"Dietary habits such as consuming energy-dense foods, sedentary lifestyles or lack of physical activity associated with rising urbanisation or changing modes of transport in many countries are significant drivers of obesity.

The WHO Regional Director for Africa pointed out that the lack of strong policies in key sectors including health, agriculture, urban planning and environment to support healthier lifestyles has also contributed to the problem of obesity and overweight in many countries.

WHO recommends a range of priority measures including government regulations such as mandatory limits on food sugar content, fiscal policies which will result in the taxing of sugar-sweetened beverages, food marketing regulations such as obligatory nutrient declaration by manufacturers, promoting healthier foods for older infants and young children.

Through a global initiative supported by WHO, the International Development Law Organization, the International Development Research Centre and the Swiss Development Cooperation, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are being supported to develop and implement regulatory standards and fiscal measures to promote healthy diets and physical activity.

WHO will also work with 10 high-burden African countries for accelerated obesity reduction initiatives.

Being obese or overweight raises the risk of people suffering from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, muscle and skeletal disorders as well some types of cancer.

In children, being overweight is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death and disability in adulthood.