South Africa is facing a looming health crisis that is growing in scale and severity: the obesity epidemic.
Obesity has become one of the most pressing public health challenges in the country, with consequences that are straining the healthcare system and affecting the quality of life for millions of South Africans.
As we head into the festive season, a time known for indulgence and celebration, it’s important to shine a light on this ongoing trend and discuss actionable steps to reverse it.
South Africa has one of the highest rates of obesity in Africa and globally. According to the South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (Sanhanes), a staggering 68% of women and 31% of men in the country are either overweight or obese.
Even more concerning is that childhood obesity is also on the rise, with nearly 13% of South African children classified as overweight or obese. These numbers indicate that obesity is not just an adult problem; it’s affecting people across all age groups.
The consequences of this epidemic are visible in the country’s escalating rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension.
The South African health system is already struggling under the burden of infectious diseases like HIV and tuberculosis, and the rise in obesity-related illnesses is putting even more pressure on healthcare resources.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that obesity is a significant risk factor for NCDs, and South Africa is seeing this play out in real-time.
Unfortunately, poor diet is not just a matter of personal choice; it’s a societal issue deeply intertwined with economic and cultural factors.
According to a report by The Conversation, diet-related diseases are now among the leading causes of death in many countries, including South Africa.
The transition from a traditional diet to one filled with processed foods has drastically increased the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Nathaniel Johnson, an assistant professor of Nutrition & Dietetics at the University of North Dakota, explained it well in a recent article: “A poor diet may lead to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and even psychological conditions like depression and anxiety.
Diet-related diseases are the leading causes of death in the US, and a poor diet is responsible for more deaths than smoking.” .
The gap in nutrition education
One of the key challenges in addressing the obesity epidemic is the widespread lack of nutrition education, both among the general public and healthcare professionals. In many cases, doctors receive limited training in nutrition during medical school.
Johnson’s article revealed that in a survey of over 1,000 US medical students, about 58% reported receiving no formal nutrition education during their four years of training.
While this data is specific to the US, the situation is likely similar in South Africa, where healthcare professionals may not be fully equipped to offer sound nutritional advice.
This knowledge gap has serious consequences for patient care. Many South Africans rely on their doctors for health guidance, but if physicians are not adequately trained in nutrition, they may miss critical opportunities to prevent or treat diet-related diseases.
As Madeline Comeau, a nutrition and dietetics alum and medical student, noted in her research:
“Providing preventive care, including nutrition counselling, to patients would take [doctors] more than seven hours per week.”
This time constraint, paired with insufficient training in nutrition, means that many patients may not receive the dietary guidance they desperately need.
What can be done: Actionable solutions
While the obesity epidemic may seem overwhelming, there are several steps that can be taken, both at the individual and societal levels, to combat it.
Improved nutrition education
One of the most urgent needs is to address the lack of nutrition education in both medical schools and the broader public. Medical students should receive more comprehensive training in nutrition so they can offer sound dietary advice to their patients.
Additionally, public health campaigns can help raise awareness about the dangers of poor dietary habits and the benefits of a balanced diet.
Access to healthy foods
Many South Africans, particularly those living in rural or low-income areas, face barriers to accessing healthy, affordable food. Government initiatives should focus on making nutritious foods more affordable and available.
This could include subsidies for fruits and vegetables, as well as efforts to reduce the availability of highly processed, unhealthy foods.
Community-based programs
Community-led interventions can be effective in promoting healthier lifestyles.
Programs that focus on physical activity, balanced diets, and wellness education can empower individuals to make better choices for themselves and their families. Schools, for example, can play a critical role by providing nutritious meals and incorporating nutrition education into their curriculum.