By Rorisang Modiba
- Half of African women will be overweight by 2030, with South Africa having one of the highest rates.
- Women struggle more with weight due to busy lives, unsafe exercise spaces and HIV medicine effects.
More and more people in Africa are becoming overweight, with doctors saying women are most at risk.
Health experts say the problem is as worrying as HIV was in its early days. Like HIV, being overweight carries shame, is hard to treat, and affects more women than men.
A new report shows that by 2030, half of African women will be overweight, while only a quarter of men will face the same problem, The Guardian reported.
Dr Nomathemba Chandiwana, who studies health issues in South Africa, sees clear links to HIV.
“Obesity is a disease we don’t fully understand. People don’t talk about it much, treatment exists but is hard to get, and there is a lot of shame around it,” she said.
The numbers tell a clear story. In Africa, 40% of women carry extra weight, compared to 25% of men. South Africa has the second-highest rate in Africa, with two out of three women being overweight.
Dr Chandiwana explains why women struggle more. Many cities don’t have safe places to exercise. Women are also very busy looking after children and homes while working. Men often move around more at work or can exercise in their free time.
Some HIV medicines make the problem worse. In South Africa, medicines like dolutegravir can cause weight gain, especially in women.
Women’s bodies also work differently from men’s. Changes in body systems, hormones, and having children can lead to weight gain.
Cheap, unhealthy foods, changing weather patterns, and women having fewer opportunities than men add to the problem.
“We need special plans to help women in South Africa fight obesity,” says Dr Chandiwana.
Being very overweight can cause diabetes, heart problems, and high blood pressure.
Pictured above: A woman doing yoga.
Image source: Pexels
