Obesity in Africa: A Silent Public Health Crisis

This chapter outlines the epidemiology of overweight and obesity in Africa, their determinants, and the relationship with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and diabetes. The review shows that overweight and obesity rates are increasing in all African regions, with Northern and Southern African regions being the most affected. The rate of overweight and obesity is higher among women than among men and in urban areas than in rural areas although the rates in rural areas are rising rapidly. Socioeconomic status, age, parity, marital status, physical inactivity, body weight perceptions, and increased energy are powerful predictors of overweight and obesity in sub-Saharan Africa. The rapid urbanization accompanied by nutrition transition is changing the disease landscape in Africa, with CVD and its related risk factors gaining a prominent position. Some African countries have partially implemented physical activity, diet, and fiscal policies to address the risk factors of overweight and obesity. The rising levels of overweight and obesity in sub-Saharan Africa are likely to exacerbate the burden of CVD and its risk factors, such as diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia if measures are not taken to curb the problem. Public health strategies focusing on a healthy food environment and diet, physical activity, weight reduction, and maintenance strategies are urgently needed in sub-Saharan African countries.