African Obesity
(Continued)
The ‘thrifty gene’ hypothesis (the theory that certain ethnic groups, having adapted to long periods of semi-starvation followed by brief but intense feasting, such as Polynesia and Asia, are more prone to fat storage) may also be a key factor.
Nevertheless, the lack of trace nutrients such as calcium and Vitamin D in the Western-style fast food rapidly displacing traditional African diets is leaving in its wake a generation equally, if not more, malnourished than its predecessor – only this time, the dangers are disguised beneath expanding waistlines.
However, whilst the West pursues a very slender physical ideal, Africans are firmly in the opposite mindset. Fat is seen as desirable, as an indication of both wealth and health. In the wake of HIV/AIDS (labelled by some as the ‘thin disease’ due to the weight loss many of those afflicted experienced), it is hardly a surprise that 78% of South African obese individuals considered themselves to be healthy.
Whilst more developed nations strive to under-eat to avoid social stigma, Africans are doing the polar opposite, in their millions. Though obesity may seem relatively benign comparison to the ravages of AIDS or malaria, this chronic disease will soon be taking its toll on the populace, as the UK and USA are currently discovering. Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, metabolic syndrome... afflictions likely to place stress on already stretched African health care budgets, to disastrous consequences.
Furthermore, the consequences are unlikely to be constrained to this generation alone - babies born to obese mothers are 50% more likely to die in their first month.
In combination with the devastating effects of malnutrition – stunted bodily and mental growth, rickets and fatigue to name but a few – the prognosis for the continent is worrying to say the least. We can only hope that Africa will be more successful in combating obesity than we in the West have been - before it’s too late.
"Fat is seen as desirable, as an indication of both wealth and health"
By Victoria Campion