The Hidden Battle: The Impact of Obesity on Health and Longevity Among African Women

Obesity has become a significant global health challenge in recent decades, and its burden is particularly higher in women. Obesity has traditionally been more common in high-income countries, but with increasing economic development and urbanization, Africa is experiencing a rapid increase in obesity rates especially in women and children, largely due to lifestyle changes and shifting dietary patterns.

Obesity is defined as an abnormal accumulation of fat which poses a risk to health. It is a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality as it is directly associated with chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases like hypertension and coronary heart disease. It is also associated with conditions like gestational diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome in women.

For African women, these risks are heightened by the intersection of obesity with other socioeconomic and cultural factors including inadequate healthcare infrastructure, the ideal body type in some cultures being larger body sizes.

The Growing Prevalence of Obesity in Africa

According to the WHO, the rate of obesity in Africa has been steadily increasing over the past few decades, especially in women. For example, in sub-Saharan Africa, women are 3 to 10 times more likely to be obese than men.

This rise in obesity is more prevalent in urban areas, where sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and greater access to processed foods are more common compared to rural areas.

This is particularly concerning since obesity is linked to multiple chronic diseases, many of which can have severe implications for African women's health and longevity. This can also place a higher burden on already inadequate healthcare infrastructure in many parts of Africa.

The Impact of Obesity on Health in African Women

1. Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, stroke, and heart disease.

2. Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Obesity is the leading cause of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is also associated with a higher risk of other complications like kidney disease and neuropathy.

3. Respiratory Problems: Being overweight can contribute to sleep apnoea, a condition that causes disruption of breathing during sleep.

4. Musculoskeletal Problems: Excess weight places extra stress on joints, especially the hips, knees, and lower back. This can also lead to conditions like osteoarthritis.

5. Cancer: Obesity in women is linked to a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer.

6. Negative impact on mental wellbeing: Obesity can have negative psychological impact associated with experiencing low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety largely due to societal stigma, and the health effects of the condition.

Combating Obesity Among African Women

Public Health Campaigns to raise awareness about the health risks of obesity and promoting healthier lifestyles is important in combating the growing prevalence of obesity. It would also be beneficial to improve access to affordable healthcare for managing obesity and preventive care.

References

Adeboye, B., Bermano, G. and Rolland, C. (2012). Obesity and its health impact in Africa : a systematic review : review article.?Cardiovascular Journal Of Africa, [online] 23(9), pp.512–521. doi:https://doi.org/10.5830/cvja-2012-040.

Azeez, T.A. (2022). Obesity in Africa: The challenges of a rising epidemic in the midst of dwindling resources.?Obesity Medicine, 31, p.100397. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.obmed.2022.100397.

Flegal, K.M., Kit, B.K., Orpana, H. and Graubard, B.I. (2013). Association of All-Cause Mortality With Overweight and Obesity Using Standard Body Mass Index Categories.?JAMA, 309(1), p.71. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2012.113905.

NHS (2023).?Obesity. [online] NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/.

Rocha, T., Melson, E., Zamora, J., Fernández-Félix, B.M., Arlt, W. and Shakila Thangaratinam (2023). Sex-Specific Obesity and Cardiometabolic Disease Risks in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Meta-Analysis Involving 3 916 276 Individuals.?The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 109(4). doi:https://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgad599.

WHO (2022).?Obesity rising in Africa, WHO analysis finds. [online] WHO | Regional Office for Africa. Available at: https://www.afro.who.int/news/obesity-rising-africa-who-analysis-finds.

Written By Yasmin Sani