Nigeria, the economic powerhouse of West Africa, faces a unique and complex health challenge: a double burden of malnutrition and obesity.
While undernutrition remains a significant concern, particularly among children under five, the rates of overweight and obesity among adults are rapidly increasing, creating a new and worrying threat to public health.
With the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that over 1.9 billion adults are overweight, 650 million of whom are classified as obese, obesity crisis has become a global phenomenon/
This trend is particularly concerning in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria, where shifting dietary patterns and increasing urbanization are playing a critical role.
A recent study published in the Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice in January 2023 paints a worrying picture: the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity among Nigerian adults is 26 per cent, with 15 per cent classified as obese. This represents a nearly threefold increase since 1975, according to a WHO report.
Contributing Factors
Several factors are contributing to this alarming rise in obesity, one of which is urbanization: As Nigerians migrate to cities, their diets often become more processed, high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt.
This shift from traditional, often locally sourced foods towards readily available, convenient, yet calorie-dense processed options is a major contributor.
Another contributing factor is the westernization of food culture: The growing popularity of fast food chains and sugary drinks is another significant factor.
These readily available, yet nutritionally poor options often offer high calorie intake with minimal nutritional value, leading to weight gain.
Reduced physical activity is another contributing factor to rise in obesity. Urban lifestyles often involve less physical activity compared to rural settings. This shift, combined with increased calorie intake, creates an energy imbalance, tipping the scale towards weight gain.
Consequences
The consequences of this rising obesity rate are far-reaching and extend beyond the individual.
Obesity is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.
These NCDs are already placing a significant burden on Nigeria’s healthcare system, and the rise in obesity is likely to exacerbate this challenge, leading to increased healthcare costs and potentially straining the system’s capacity.
The 2024 World Obesity Atlas report reveal that over 37,000 persons in Nigeria died from stroke in 2019 due to high Body Max Index (BMI) while 25,000 persons died from coronary heart disease linked to high BMI. 12,500 persons also died from diabetes linked to high BMI.
Charting a Path Forward
Addressing this complex issue of obesity requires a multi-pronged approach which includes promoting healthy eating habits. Public health campaigns can play a crucial role in raising awareness about the importance of balanced diets, encouraging the consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and promoting traditional, locally sourced foods.
Similarly, initiatives that promote physical activity at all ages are essential. This can include creating walkable and bike-friendly neighborhoods, promoting the use of public transportation, and encouraging participation in sports and fitness programmes.
Also new and existing policies aimed at limiting the marketing of unhealthy foods to children, restricting the use of unhealthy ingredients in processed foods, and promoting clear and informative food labeling can create a healthier food environment and empower consumers to make informed choices.
Nigeria is not alone in facing this double burden, as many other developing countries are grappling with similar issues.
By sharing best practices, working together, and implementing effective strategies, these nations can combat the rising tide of obesity and ensure a healthier future for their populations.
This will not only improve individual health outcomes but also contribute to a more resilient and sustainable healthcare system, paving the way for a healthier and more prosperous future for Nigeria.