How can policymakers combat the problem of obesity in Africa? That was one of issues adressed by Dr Zandile Mchiza, who studied dietetics at the University of the Western Cape before completing a PhD in Sports Nutrition through the University of Cape Town (UCT). She is now a post doctoral fellow at the Human Sciences Research Council in the Knowledge Systems department. Her presentation focused on the prevalence of obesity in Africa. The research forms part of the Africa Taskforce on Obesity Research (AFRITOR) and aims to provide information to help policy makers effect strategies to tackle, what can be termed an epidemic, in Africa.
Obesity, having a Body Mass Index (BMI) above 30, is prevalent in Africa, particularly amongst women in South Africa, Swaziland, Ghana, Lesotho and Kenya. Unfortunately, there is little or no data for countries such as Egypt, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In South Africa and Lesotho over 30% of women are classified as obese whereas less than 6% of men fall into this group. Urbanisation is an important factor in the development of obesity as it is generally accompanied by a more sedentary lifestyle. In the rural areas women tended to be very active and have a diet high in starch and fibre, in contrast to an urban lifestyle which includes meals that are often higher in fat. A consequence of obesity is diabetes, which is now affecting the female population. It was found that in Gambia, mortality from diabetes was 10 times higher than in the United Kingdom. Astoundingly, in many African countries children under the age of 5 show signs of wasting (low weight to height ratio) and stunting (low height to age ratio) whereas adults are obese. Further research in Gambia showed that children often share their meals, the youngest consequently are deprived of adequate food.
There are biological or non-modifiable factors that affect obesity including age, gender, genetics and ethnicity. Genetic predisposition to obesity is very real and if both parents are overweight, the likelihood of the offspring becoming overweight is high. The modifiable factors of obesisty include: socioeconomic status, environmental factors (such as the amount of recreational activities) and even places of food procurement namely spaza shops versus supermarkets which offer more choice. The macro physical factors combine the town planning policies of the area, the type of food industries present and the status of agriculture. South African statistics in relation to this are somewhat alarming. In pre-adolescent girls obesity is recorded in over 20% of the group with this rising to above 40 % amongst girls aged between 13 and 18. In adults nearly double the numbers of women are obese in comparison to males.
From the work Dr Mchiza has done, the Department of Health and Department of Education should be moved to interevene and correct bad eating habits from childhood. Intervention is underway in the Western Cape amongst 8 urban and 8 rural schools. Policies on healthy food at tuck shops, physical activity and nutrition as part of the curriculum are being implemented. The impact of chronic lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes, has to be taught to children so that they are aware of the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle from an early age. Dr Mchiza’s talk concluded that healthy school environment policies should be imposed and the next step is legislation against the advertising of certain products. For references and details contact Dr Zandile Mchiza on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
