Rising Obesity Rates Among African Women: A Growing Public Health Concern
By: Moses Odey, Freelance Health Writer and Datelinehealth Africa (DLHA) Volunteer, with medical review and editorial support from the DLHA Team.
Portrait of an obese woman and African orange seller with a smiley face wearing a blue wool knitted headgear. Image credit
By 2030, 45% of African women will be overweight or obese, compared to 25% of men.
Obesity rates among African women have been steadily rising, with some regions seeing a doubling of cases in recent decades.
Urbanisation, sedentary lifestyles, increased consumption of processed foods, and cultural perceptions of body size contribute to the trend.
Higher obesity rates lead to increased risks of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and other non-communicable diseases.
Public health campaigns and community driven initiatives are essential in reshaping perceptions and encouraging healthier lifestyles.
Obesity has become a significant public health challenge worldwide, with a particularly alarming rise among African women. The rate of occurrence of obesity in this population has been increasing due to a combination of socio-economic, cultural, and lifestyle factors.
The rising rate of obesity among African women is linked to an elevated risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Studies have shown that obesity significantly raises the risk of deadly non-communicable diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Addressing this public health crisis requires access to healthcare resources to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce the long-term health implications of obesity.
This article will examine the rising obesity rates among African women, identify its key contributing factors, general health implications, and provide care recommendations for targeted approaches for obesity prevention and treatment among African women.
Obesity is a medical condition marked by an excessive accumulation of body fat that may negatively affect health.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as a chronic complex disease marked by excessive fat deposits that can impair health. [1] The Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) defines it as a chronic, relapsing, neurobehavioral disease of multiple causation. [2] This means obesity is a long-term condition that can come back even after treatment. It has many causes, and also affects how the brain controls hunger and eating habits, making its management more than just a matter of willpower.
Obesity is commonly determined using the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is calculated as weight (kg) divided by height (m²), where a BMI of 30 or higher is classified as obese. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of various health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, sleep apnoea, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. [2]
Common causes of rising obesity rates among African women. Click on image to enalrge.
Obesity is a complex condition that is cause directly and indirectly by a combination of some of the following factors:
1. Poor Diet Choices
Driven by economic, cultural, and social factors, form major contributors to obesity among African women.
Consuming high-calorie, processed, and fast foods, excess sugar and unhealthy fats.
Overeating and large portion sizes and drinking sugary beverages like soda and energy drinks.
Sedentary lifestyle (sitting for long hours at work, and at home watching TV, etc.)
Lack of exercise or movement in daily routine
Increased use of technology leading to reduced activity.
Physical inactivity is therefore a major factor contributing to obesity among African women. A sedentary lifestyle leads to reduced calorie expenditure, fat accumulation, and increased risk of weight gain.
3. Genetics and Family History
Some people have a genetic predisposition to gain weight more easily. Also, family eating habits and lifestyle can influence weight gain. Genetics and family history play a significant role in obesity among African women as they influence metabolism, fat storage, and predisposition to weight gain.
Hormonal linked disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome – PCOS).
Certain medications (e.g., antidepressants, steroids, diabetes drugs). And also
Mental health disorders like depression and anxiety can lead to emotional eating.
Medical conditions significantly contribute to obesity among African women, affecting their metabolism, hormonal balance, and overall body weight regulation.
Stress
Emotional eating
Binge eating disorder
Addiction to high-calorie comfort foods
Cultural practices and body image perception
Poor sleep patterns that affect metabolism
These factors play a significant role in obesity among African women. They influence eating habits, physical activity levels, and overall lifestyle choices.
Leptin resistance (i.e., the body fails to recognize satiety (fullness) signals)
Insulin resistance leading to fat storage
Slow metabolism due to aging or health issues.
These factors affect how the body processes food, stores fat, and regulates weight.
There are no specific symptoms of overweight and obesity. [3] However, there are certain physical signs which point to obesity and these includes:
Excess body fat – especially around the abdomen, hips, and thighs.
Breathlessness – even with mild exertion.
Increased sweating – due to extra body weight.
Joint and back pain – from added stress on bones and joints.
Fatigue – due to increased effort required for movement.
Difficulty sleeping – often linked to conditions like sleep apnoea
Skin problems – including rashes and infections in skin folds.
A healthcare provider may determine obesity by assessing your medical history and calculating your BMI. [3]
However, it is possible for a person to have a BMI of 30 or above but not be obese, depending on their body composition. BMI is a rough measure that does not distinguish between fat and muscle. Such persons include: athletes and bodybuilders, individuals with certain genetic or ethnic differences, and body fat distribution.
In such cases, a healthcare provider may determine obesity by measuring around a person’s waist, a measurement known as the waist circumference. A woman with addiction to high-calorie comfort foods with a waist circumference of more than 35 inches is characterized as unhealthy. Other health indicators may also be used to ascertain if someone is truly obese.
The rate of occurrence of obesity among African women has been steadily increasing over the past few decades. It is rising at an alarming rate, comparable to the HIV/Aids epidemic, with women disproportionately affected due to stigma and lack of treatment. More than 40% of women in several African nations are either overweight or obese.
In countries such as South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria, obesity rates among women are significantly higher than those among men, highlighting a gender disparity in weight-related health issues.
A recent study by the World Obesity Federation predicts that nearly half of African women will be overweight or obese by the end of the decade. [4] “Africa is facing a growing problem of obesity and overweight, and the trends are rising. This is a ticking time bomb. If unchecked, millions of people, including children, risk living shorter lives under the burden of poor health,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. [5]
Another study by the World Obesity Atlas shows that by 2030, 45% or nearly 1 in 2 African women will either be overweight or obese, while the figure still remains at 25% or 1 in 4 for men.
The environmental drivers of this rising obesity trend in Africa women has been attributed to:
Urbanisation & changing dietary habits
Reduced physical activity levels
High socio-economic status
Cultural practices and perception
Genetics
Rapid urbanisation and economic developments occurring in many African countries in the last few decades have led to increased consumption of processed and calorie-dense foods while decreasing physical activity levels among African women.
Research indicates that the rate of occurrence of obesity in urban West Africa more than doubled (114%) over 15 years, and was accounted for almost entirely in women. Urban residents and women have particularly high risk of overweight/obesity. [6]
Urban women are more likely to adopt sedentary lifestyles due to changes in work environments and transportation habits.
Research has shown that African women of high socio-economic status are at higher risk of obesity than women with low socio-economic status. [7]
Cultural practices in some African communities deliberately promote obesity.
For example, the Efik tribe in Cross River State practice seclusion of young women in “fattening rooms” for purposes of preparing them for womanhood and to look attractive for marriage. According to a source, during this period, adolescent girls are secluded in a room without contact with others, while being taken care of by elderly women. On a daily basis, the girls are reported to be given body massages three times daily, fed six large portions of high calorie diets like yam fufu, porridge ekpang, plantain, and assorted pepper soups. They are also made to drink three pints of water three times daily and get plenty of sleep. The expected outcome of the fattening room tradition is a girl with what is described as beautiful with a healthy waistline (see fig. 1).
Figure 1: An Efik lady after fattening seclusion. Image credit..
Cultural perceptions of body image also play a crucial role in the rise of obesity in Africa generally. In many African societies, a larger body size is traditionally associated with wealth, fertility, and social status, discouraging efforts to maintain a healthy weight.
In addition to economic development and urbanisation with their associated consequences, genetic predisposition is believed to also contribute to obesity rates among African women. Research is ongoing to identify the genetic and molecular basis of overweight and obesity.
Obesity generally is a major public health concern in Africa due to several factors that include:
Growing urbanisation
Dietary changes that include increased consumption of processed foods high in sugar, fat, and salt.
Decline in physical activity levels as more people adopt sedentary jobs and lifestyles.
Poor infrastructure, with lack of parks, and unsafe neighborhoods also discourage physical activity.
More specifically among African women, obesity is a growing public health concern also because of the significant health, social, and economic disadvantages associated with it. These include:
Increased risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
Complications during pregnancy
Higher risk of certain cancers
Reduced life expectancy
Social and psychological effects
Economic cost of managing the chronic ailments associated with obesity
Economic loss due to limitation in productive input
Mental health issues (higher rates of depression, anxiety, and emotional distress).
Obesity has also led to high mortality rates as at least 2.8 million adults die each year as a result of being overweight or obese. [8]
Reducing the likelihood of obesity among populations of African women requires putting into practice the following public health level measures:
Encouraging the consumption of traditional African diets rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins while reducing processed foods and excessive sugar intake.
Educating communities on portion control and the dangers of high-calorie, high-fat diets.
Implementing initiatives that make physical activity accessible, such as safe parks, gyms, and affordable workout programs.
Debunking and discouraging societal norms that associate larger body sizes with beauty, wealth, or good health.
Strengthening healthcare systems to provide regular screenings for obesity-related conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
Developing public health campaigns that target obesity prevention in local languages and culturally relevant ways.
Encouraging women to join social support networks for sharing of experiences and strategies for healthy living.
Developing obesity prevention programs in schools, workplaces, and marketplaces.
Treating obesity among individual African women requires a holistic approach that includes medical, lifestyle, and community-based interventions. The following measures can therefore be taken.
This has to do with adopting a balanced diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins while minimizing processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats. Providing nutrition education to help women make informed food choices and manage portion sizes and also encouraging traditional African diets that emphasize natural and unprocessed foods.
African women should engage in regular exercise, such as walking, dancing, aerobics, or strength training. There should also be a promotion of community-based fitness programs to make physical activity accessible and enjoyable. Active lifestyles, such as using stairs instead of elevators or walking short distances instead of driving should also be encouraged.
There are medications available to help treat obesity in women. Some of the weight loss medications [9] approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are:
Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave).
Liraglutide (Saxenda).
Orlistat (Alli, Xenical).
Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy).
Some of these medications may not be readily available in some African countries or if available may be too expensive for the average person without health insurance.
Also be mindful that the medications must be combined with a healthy diet and exercise for effectiveness. They are also not suitable for everyone (e.g., pregnant women or individuals with certain medical conditions). Therefore you should consult a healthcare provider to know which medication is right for your weight loss goals. Your provider will evaluate potential side effects and risks before prescribing them. Discontinuing a weight-loss medication may result in regaining some or all of the lost weight. [9]
The surgery for obesity is known as bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery and is recommended in the following situations:
When an individual has severe obesity, that is having a BMI of 35 or 40 above with obesity-health related conditions
Failure of other non-surgical methods such as diet, exercise, and medication without significant or sustained weight loss
When obesity causes life-threatening or disabling complications.
When the patient is ready to commit to lifestyle changes, including diet modifications, regular exercise, and follow-up medical care.
Several types of bariatric surgeries like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding, etc, are being practiced. Details of these are beyond the scope of this article.
However, there are several challenges that prevent a good majority of African women from accessing obesity surgical procedures and they are:
Financial constraints as these surgeries are usually costly
Limited public healthcare support
Limited availability of specialized centers and skilled personnel
Limited access to nutritional and psychological support
Inconsistent availability of supplements as post-surgery patients require vitamins and nutrients, which may not be readily available.
Increasing awareness, improving medical infrastructure, and integrating obesity care into national health programs could help make bariatric surgery more accessible by African women.
Seeking medical advice for personalized weight management plans would indeed go a long way to help. Getting involved in support groups that encourage healthy lifestyle changes and promote stress management techniques would also be of great benefit.
Obesity rates among African women are rising at an alarming rate, posing significant public health challenges. This increase is driven by factors such as urbanisation, changes in dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, and cultural perceptions of body size. The shift from traditional diets to processed, high-calorie foods, along with reduced physical activity, has contributed to higher obesity prevalence.
This trend has severe health implications, including an increased risk of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, obesity can impact mental health and economic productivity. Addressing this issue requires multi-faceted interventions. Education and community engagement are crucial in reversing the trend and promoting healthier lifestyles among African women.
1. World Health Organization. Obesity and overweight [Internet]. Geneva: WHO; 2021 [Accessed 28 March 2025]. Available from here.
2. Obesity Medicine Association. What is Obesity? [Internet]. 2023 Jul 31 [Accessed 28 March 2025]. Available from here.
3. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Overweight and Obesity: Symptoms [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institutes of Health; Last updated March 24, 2022. [Accessed 29 March 2025]. Available from here.
5. Lay K. Nearly half of women in Africa will be obese or overweight by 2030 – study. The Guardian [Internet.] March 6 2025. [Accessed 30 March 2025]; Available from here.
5. World Health Organization. Obesity rising in Africa, WHO analysis finds [Internet]. 2022 Mar 2 [Accessed 30 March 2025]. Available from here.
6. Abubakari AR, Lauder W, Agyemang C, Jones M, Kirk A, Bhopal RS. Prevalence and time trends in obesity among adult West African populations: a meta-analysis. Obes Rev. 2008 Jul;9(4):297-311. Doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2007.00462.x. Available from here.
7. Jaacks LM, Vandevijvere S, Pan A, McGowan CJ, Wallace C, Imamura F, et al. The obesity transition: stages of the global epidemic. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2019;7(3):231-40. DOI: 10.1016/S2213-8587(19)30026-9. Abstract available from here.
8. Neupane S, Prakash KC, Doku DT. Overweight and obesity among women: analysis of demographic and health survey data from 32 Sub-Saharan African Countries. BMC Public Health. 2016;16:30. doi: 10.1186/s12889-016-2698-5. Available from here.
9. Mayo Clinic. Obesity – Diagnosis & Treatment [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2023 July 22. [Accessed 31 March 2025]. Available from here.
Published: April 9, 2025
© 2025. Datelinehealth Africa Inc. All rights reserved.
Permission is given to copy, use and share content for non-commercial purposes without alteration or modification and subject to source attribution.
DATELINEHEALTH AFRICA INC., is a digital publisher for informational and educational purposes and does not offer personal medical care and advice. If you have a medical problem needing routine or emergency attention, call your doctor or local emergency services immediately, or visit the nearest emergency room or the nearest hospital. You should consult your professional healthcare provider before starting any nutrition, diet, exercise, fitness, medical or wellness program mentioned or referenced in the DatelinehealthAfrica website. Click here for more disclaimer notice.
