Africa's Obesity Problem

When we think about Africa and food, we think about the starving and malnourished children in the country. In a recent AP article, researchers have estimated that 1/3 of African women and 1/4 of African men are now considered overweight. Another problem that correlates with this is the cultural tradition of Africans who see being overweight as a sign of prosperity. And the thought of going on a diet to lose the weight is not something the population chooses to do.

"Here, if you lose a lot of weight, people automatically think you have TB or
AIDS. It's not like in America and Europe where you go on a diet to lose
weight," Njobo said.

In South Africa, overweight or obese women count for 56% of the population, while the amount of undernourished is only 10%.

On top of all of this, many of the rich don't believe they should sweat, so they don't exercise. Others don't walk in their neighborhood because they don't feel safe.

There is a lot happening within that country in regards to the population's health. I just hope something is done before it gets out of hand.