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.