OBESITY-related diseases such as heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, stroke and some cancers account for 43 percent of deaths in South Africa, the national Health Department says.
Yesterday marked World Obesity Day, with the theme “Ending Childhood Obesity: Act today for a healthier future”.
Obesity rates in South Africa are increasing rapidly, with almost 70% of women and 40% of men either overweight or obese, and for this reason the department has urged South Africans to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Obesity is one of the top five risk factors for early death in the country.
The Department of Health’s chief director of health promotion, nutrition and oral heath, Lynn Moeng, said: “We have the highest obesity rate in sub-Saharan Africa and this is impacting on the health of our nation. But by making changes, including reducing the consumption of sugary drinks, people can improve their health and their life expectancy.”
If obesity in South African children continues to increase at the current rate, 3.91 million schoolchildren will be overweight or obese by 2025, the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA) said.
According to the most recent national survey, 14.2% of primary schoolchildren are already overweight.
This prevalence is highest in 30% of girls living in urban areas.
Being overweight as an infant increases the risk of being overweight as a child, which, in turn, increases the risk of being overweight as an adolescent and adult.
HSFSA chief executive Pamela Naidoo implored primary caregivers to ensure their families eat healthily.
“Parents have the single biggest influence over their children’s risk of obesity. Mothers should aim for a normal weight before pregnancy, appropriate weight gain during pregnancy and exclusive breast-feeding for the first six months.
“Parents should introduce healthy eating habits from six months onwards and lead by example to create an active lifestyle for the whole family.”
Naidoo said the HSFSA will continue its efforts to advocate for a healthier environment and create public awareness to prevent obesity becoming a major risk factor for heart diseases and strokes.
The Heart Mark is one such tool, used to make it easier for consumers to make the healthier choice when faced with a variety of options at the supermarket.
It helps consumers to identify healthier products that contain less added sugar, salt and unhealthy fats, and more fibre compared to other similar products.