Abidjan, March 02, 2022 (AIP) – One in five adults and one in ten children and adolescents could be obese by December 2023 in 10 high-burden African countries if strong measures are not taken to reverse the trend, according to a analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO) published on Tuesday March 2, 2022.
The WHO analysis shows that the prevalence of obesity in the 10 high-burden countries will be between 13.6% and 31% in adults, and 5% to 16.5% in children. Africa also faces a growing problem of overweight among children. In 2019, the continent was home to 24% of overweight children under five globally.
Being overweight has been associated with severe disease and the need for hospitalization due to COVID-19. Although no data is available for Africa, a study published by the Journal of Infection and Public Health found that of the 2.5 million COVID-19 deaths reported worldwide by the end of February 2021, some 2.2 million occurred in countries where more than half the population is considered overweight.
The theme for World Obesity Day, celebrated on March 4, is “Everyone Must Take Action”.
“Africa is facing the growing problem of obesity and overweight, and the trend is increasing in the number of cases. It’s a ticking time bomb. If we do nothing, millions of people, including children, risk living a shorter life while bearing the burden of poor health,” said WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti . “But we can solve this crisis, because many of the causes of obesity and overweight are preventable and reversible,” she continues.
Dietary habits such as the consumption of energy-dense foods, sedentary lifestyles or the lack of physical activity associated with increasing urbanization or new modes of transport in many countries, constitute factors of obesity. The lack of strong policy measures in key sectors, such as health, agriculture, urban planning and the environment, to support healthier lifestyles is also contributing to the rise in obesity and overweight in many country.
To tackle obesity and overweight, WHO recommends a range of priority actions, including government regulations such as mandatory limits on the sugar content of foods, tax policy measures such as taxation of beverages containing added sugar , food marketing regulations such as the mandatory declaration of nutrient content by manufacturers, the promotion of healthier foods for infants and young children, the creation of infrastructures dedicated to safe transport and leisure and enabling physical activity, as well as strengthening public health services.
Being obese or overweight increases the risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, muscle and bone disorders, as well as certain types of cancer. In children, being overweight is associated with an increased risk of obesity, premature death and disability in adulthood.
Reducing the risk of overweight and obesity includes adopting a healthy diet, such as reducing the number of calories consumed from fat and sugar, engaging in regular physical activity, as well as government policy measures that help people choose healthier lifestyles and diets, ensuring that healthy foods are accessible and affordable.
(AIP)
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