Obesity

Obesity is a growing concern worldwide, especially as it is a major burden on healthcare systems. It is a significant contributor to the high rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which themselves claim an estimated 15 million lives each year. Common causes for obesity, according to the WHO, are bad dietary habits, particularly diets that include the high consumption of energy-dense foods and a lack of physical activity.

Obesity can increase the risk of numerous diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea and breathing problems and strokes. Many of these non-communicable diseases can be life threatening and cause premature death. The WHO estimates that 17 million people die annually as a result of non-communicable diseases and that 86% of these deaths are premature in low and middle-income countries.

In recent times, childhood obesity has been on the rise. An analysis conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) found that childhood obesity is on the rise in Africa. It states that 1 in 10 children and teenagers are projected to be obese in the next decade.

Nutrition and healthy eating habits are an important part of managing obesity. The NNIA, through videos, publications and news, gives insight on how to deal with adult and childhood obesity.

Ways to address obesity in people living with HIV
2 topics
Ways to address obesity in people living with HIV

The HIV/AIDS pandemic has had a devasting grip on the globe over the past 41 years, with the African continent…

7 min read
Using nutrition to reduce the effects that toddlers face when born pre-term
6 topics
Using nutrition to reduce the effects that toddlers face when born pre-term

Developing countries are responsible for 85% of pre-term births. Pre-term infants are at risk of developmental and…

6 min read
Dr Muzzazzi
5 topics
Dr Muzzazzi reviews the Post-Graduate Program in Paediatric Nutrition

Dr. Muzzazzi is a Paediatric and Child Health Specialist, Paediatric Hematology, Oncology Fellow, and a Board Member of…

2 min read
World Obesity Day Scale
5 topics
World Obesity Day: Addressing Africa’s Sugar Problem

Reflecting on World Obesity Day (04 March), NNIA has investigated the high impact of obesity, mainly caused by high…

7 min read
Preventing & Managing Obesity, Over a Lifetime
1 topic
Preventing & Managing Obesity, Over a Lifetime

Yes, obesity can be prevented and managed. However, obesity claims at least 2.8 million lives every year. Find tips &…

Eating Healthy
1 topic
The Practical Side of Preventing & Managing Obesity

As many Health Care Practitioners (HCPs) may have noticed, obesity was previously associated with high-income countries…

9 min read
butternut-soup.tmb-xs
1 topic
TOASTED BUTTERNUT SOUP
2 min read
chilhood-obesity
1 topic
FAST FACTS ABOUT CHILDHOOD OBESITY
1 min read
obesity-steps
2 topics
Seven Steps to Curbing Childhood Obesity
2 min read