In many African cultures, a large belly has long been associated with wealth. This perception is rooted in the idea that a person’s size reflects their prosperity. However, this notion is proving deadly as obesity-related illnesses spread across the continent.
In Kenya, politicians who are overweight are often referred to as Boss or Mkubwa – Swahili for "big man" – by their constituents. Their girth is seen as a symbol of prosperity and success.
The Health Consequences of Obesity
Experts warn that this cultural norm can have devastating consequences. Obesity contributes to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, which have become Kenya’s leading cause of death according to the health ministry.
- Diabetes accounts for 39% of annual fatalities in Kenya.
- The country’s health ministry reports that non-communicable diseases are on the rise.
Kenyan nutritionist Felix Okoth expressed concern about the trend:
"Most people feel like when I start making money, I have to look like the money itself by being fat or obese. They, however, don’t realize that they are predisposing themselves to these lifestyle conditions such as diabetes and hypertension."
Rising Obesity Rates in Africa
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported an alarming increase in obesity rates across Africa over recent years. According to data from 2016 and 2020:
- More than half of adults in South Africa were overweight or obese.
- A study published last year found that nearly one-third of children under five years old were stunted due to malnutrition, while almost one-third were overweight.
- The WHO has also reported an increase in obesity rates among children aged five years and older.
Concerns from Health Professionals
According to Dr. John Njau from Kenyatta National Hospital’s Department of Paediatrics & Child Health:
“We see cases where children come with complications related to being overweight.”
Dr. Njau explained how some parents may be unaware of their child’s weight status due to a lack of access to information on healthy eating habits:
“Some parents do not know what they should feed their child.”
Okoth emphasized how traditional foods can be high-calorie but low in nutrient density:
“These foods may not provide enough nutrients but will give you calories.”
He also noted that many people consume too much sugar through sweetened drinks and snacks:
“You get it everywhere; at home, you get it at school, you get it even when you go out.”
The Need for Awareness and Education
According to Okoth, there needs to be awareness campaigns about healthy eating habits so people can make informed choices about what they eat:
“People need education on what we call portion control.”
Okoth also emphasized the importance of exercise in maintaining good health.
Policy Interventions
While some countries have implemented policies aimed at reducing childhood obesity rates, such as taxing sugary drinks, others continue to struggle to address the issue.
- In South Africa, the government introduced a tax on sugary drinks last year but still struggles to enforce the law.
- Dr. Marita van der Sanden, a researcher at the South African Medical Research Council, noted there was no clear evidence showing the impact the tax had yet.
She added there is a need for more research into the effectiveness of policy interventions aimed at reducing childhood obesity.
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