Obesity rising in Africa

Obesity is rising rapidly in Africa. Between 2000 and 2016, Africa nearly doubled the number of overweight adults. The trends are same for children. Africa is currently home to 28% of the world’s overweight children below five years old. This is caused by unhealthy eating behaviors, lack of physical activity and other factors. People who are overweight or obese are at greater risk of developing serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, some cancers, not to mention social isolation and related mental health conditions. WHO in collaboration with partners including African Union Commission and UNICEF are calling for a cohesive, cross-sectoral response to the obesity crisis in Africa.