Almost half SA women are obese

South African women have the highest obesity rate (42%) in sub-Saharan Africa, according to a recent study.

About 14% of men and almost nine percent of SA children are also considered obese, the study shows.

Egypt tops the list of obese nations at 35%, while the lowest rates are in Bangladesh and Vietnam at 1% of adults. South Africa has an average 30% obesity rate among adults (10 million).

The study, by the University of Washington, US, the most comprehensive research on global obesity to date, found that just over 30% of the world’s adult population are either obese or overweight leading to widespread health problems and millions of premature deaths.

“Globally, more than two billion children and adults suffer from health problems related to being overweight or obese and an increasing percentage of people die from these health conditions,” the study said.

“In sub-Saharan Africa, the highest obesity rates (42%) are seen among South African women.”

Overweight is defined as having body mass index (BMI) or weight-to-height ratio greater than or equal to 25 and lower than 30 while obese is defined as having a BMI equal to or greater than 30. Health risks of obesity Health risks such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and chronic kidney disease increase when a person’s BMI exceeds 23.

In 2010, obesity and overweight were estimated to have caused 3.4 million deaths, most of which were from cardiovascular causes.

Research indicates that if left unchecked, the rise in obesity could lead to future declines in life expectancy.

As well as the high South African figures on women, other key findings included:

• More than 50% of the world’s 671 million obese live in 10 countries (ranked beginning with the countries with the most obese people): US, China, India, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, Egypt, Germany, Pakistan, and Indonesia.
• The US, United Kingdom, and Australia are among the high-income countries with large gains in obesity among men and women.
• Over the 33-year period of research, the Middle East showed large increases in obesity. Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait were among the countries with the largest increases in obesity globally.
• In six countries, all in the Middle East and Oceania – Kuwait, Kiribati, the Federated States of Micronesia, Libya, Qatar, and Samoa – the prevalence of obesity for women exceeds 50%. In Tonga, both men and women have obesity prevalence over 50%.

SA health and wellness expert Vanessa Ascencao says all South Africans should review their lifestyles and diets and follow a plan aimed at good health.

“Follow a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and lean protein, choose quality health supplements, eliminate toxins, sugar and processed foods,” she said.

Ascencao suggests these tips for great health and to get into shape:

• Eat a well-balanced diet and pursue a healthy lifestyle;
• Start the day with a nourishing breakfast to help keep blood sugar levels balanced;
• Do not overeat. Aim for three well-balanced meals a day;
• Increase intake of low GL fruit, vegetables, healthy fats like seeds, nuts, avos and natural whole foods;
• Avoid fried, salty or sugar-loaded foods, coffee, tea and carbonated soft drinks;
• Drink lots of water and exercise regularly.