Obesity and excess weight gain, traditionally perceived as health issues predominantly affecting high-income countries, are now increasingly prevalent in low and middle-income regions.

Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular, is no longer a continent just grappling with hunger and starvation — it is now also dealing with citizens who are obese and overweight. This primarily due to the proliferation of unhealthy diets and lifestyles.

The increasing prevalence of obesity can be attributed to rising incomes, increasingly sedentary lifestyles, the adoption of western cultures and the consumption of processed foods high in fat, sugar and salt.

The health risks associated with weight gain are severe, with more people dying from weight and obesity-related diseases than from undernutrition. In Africa, the mortality rate from weight-related non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, strokes and certain cancers is also rising rapidly.

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The increasing prevalence of over-nutrition, when nutrient intake exceeds one’s physical activity level and metabolism, is creating a double malnutrition burden as Africa continues to grapple with under-nutrition.

In Africa, women are more likely to be overweight and obese than men. In the sub-Saharan African region, for example, women are up to 10 times more likely to be obese than men.

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