OBESITY IN AFRICA
Aug 5th, 2007 by kendi
Obesity is becoming an increasing problem amongst Africans, so much so that leading specialists held the first International Obesity meeting in Africa. One might rightly say this is a problem escalating across the globe. Pin-pointing the root cause in the developing world may be difficult. Many factors could contribute, culture being the first. A woman is usually regarded as beautiful if she is fat and well fed.
In some parts of Africa, women are placed in “fattening rooms” before getting married, where they are Overfed and looked after in all aspects. When the proper weight is gained, they are considered ripe for marriage. This is a trend that has been ongoing for many years.
The sudden increase in the socio-economic status of many black communities is another direct cause. Using South Africa as an example, at the moment, one in three men and more than one in two adult women are overweight – comparing with the United States. In Nigeria it is estimated that between 6% and 8% of people are obese, in Kenya 12%, in Morocco, 40% of the population.
Increased wealth is directly reflected in weight gain. Avoiding gaining weight becomes difficult. In many societies if a man is rich he is supposed to have a pot belly, and a woman is supposed to be a butterball.
In poor areas, it is the exact opposite, as low economic status hampers rapid weight gain. Though, malnutrition and obesity can co-exist. The diet, sometimes being the culprit, is refuted by Dr Sepriye, a medical practitioner who says the African diet is extremely healthy and rich in natural minerals that enhances healthy living. He categorically states that Africa is too burdened with HIV and other life-threatening diseases to be overly concerned with increasing obesity, as it’s a disease of the rich in Africa and not the poor.
Excess weight gain could be genetic as the rate of metabolism is low, explaining why food turns to fat instead of it being burnt.
Addressing the problem involves informing people that obesity is a disease and not a sign of good living and educating the society on the right type of nutrition and diet.
Finally, due to its increasing prevalence, the subsequent complications arising from the disease must be dealt with, such as diabetes and heart disease.
This is fascinating. Notions of wealth and beauty have changed from place to place and country to country, all connected to the society’s recent history. It makes sense to me that due to economic struggles, the majority of people do not have access to excess food. Those who enjoy prosperity would be able to indulge more so than the general populace, thereby affecting their weight. The wealthy are then idealized for the excess they enjoy (money for extra food and extra weight).
The notion also applies here in the United States, but in reverse. I think it is safe to say that most people in the United States assign beauty to those who are thin (who even look malnourished!)–those who are thin have the time and energy to preen and the money to purchase healthy foods and personal trainers. The general populace must work and tend to all their own responsibilities, leaving little time to workout or eat heathily. The wealthy are then idealized for the excess they enjoy (money for healthy food and thinner bodies).