Childhood obesity and physical inactivity threat in Africa: strategies for a healthy future

Abstract

Childhood obesity continues to be a serious public health problem across the globe. The problem is increasingly affecting both developing and developed countries alike, albeit at different rates. In Africa, the problem seems to be aggravated by the nutrition and physical activity transition currently taking place, which is leading to an increase in the use of energy-saving devices, the availability of cheap high-calorie dense foods and limited participation in physical activity at home and at school. The situation is complicated by socio-cultural beliefs in which obesity and overweight are admired traits and seen as a sign of wealth, prestige and the ‘good life’. Efforts and strategies are therefore needed in order to address the child obesity problem which is starting to show among most African countries. This paper gives some possible strategies which might help in preventing the child obesity and physical inactivity threat in Africa.