By Nneka Nwogwugwu
To combat obesity and overweight, World Health Organization (WHO) recommended a range of priority measures including government regulations to stop obesity and overweight in Nigeria.
The global health organisation made this known while marking World Obesity Day on Thursday.
WHO, has warned that Africa is facing a growing problem of obesity and overweight.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti described it as a ticking time bomb. “If unchecked, millions of people, including children, risk living shorter lives under the burden of poor health,” she warned.
In its new analysis, WHO revealed that One in five adults and one in 10 children and teenagers are projected to be obese by December 2023 in 10 high-burden African countries if no robust measures are taken to reverse the trends.
She recommended government regulations such as mandatory limits on food sugar content; fiscal policies, for example, taxing sugar-sweetened beverages; food marketing regulations such as obligatory nutrient declaration by manufacturers; promoting healthier foods for older infants and young children; creating facilities for safe, active transport and recreation as well as reinforcing public health services.
Through a global initiative supported by WHO, the International Development Law Organization, the International Development Research Centre and the Swiss Development Cooperation, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are being supported to develop and implement regulatory standards and fiscal measures to promote healthy diets and physical activity.
In 2022, WHO will work with 10 more high-burden African countries for accelerated obesity reduction initiatives.
The report further warned that being obese or overweight raises the risk of suffering cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, muscle and skeletal disorders as well some types of cancer.
“Among children, being overweight is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death and disability in adulthood.
“Lowering the risk of overweight and obesity includes adopting a healthy diet such as reducing the number of calories consumed in fats and sugars, undertaking regular physical activity as well as government policies that help people opt for healthier lifestyles and diets, for instance, by ensuring that healthy foods are accessible and affordable,” WHO report stated.