A new study by the World Obesity Federation warns that nearly half of African women will be overweight or obese by 2030, a trend experts liken to the HIV epidemic due to stigma and lack of treatment access. While 40% of African women are already overweight, that number is expected to rise to 45%, compared to 26% for men. Experts point to urbanization, lifestyle changes, and limited physical activity as key drivers. Additionally, HIV treatments, cultural attitudes, and increasing consumption of processed foods contribute to the issue. Despite the promise of new anti-obesity drugs like GLP-1 receptor agonists, access in Africa remains limited. Experts call for gender-focused obesity prevention and treatment policies, warning that without intervention, the crisis will worsen, increasing the burden of diabetes, heart disease, and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across the continent.
Source: The Guardian