Obesity in Africa: The challenges of a rising epidemic in the midst of dwindling resources

Abstract

Obesity is a major disease in both developed and developing countries. However, while the developed world have the capacity to address the pandemic, that cannot be said about the developing nations including African nations. Africa is still battling with communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases such as obesity are now been seen at an epidemic proportions. This is a major stressor for a continent with dwindling resources. The aim of the review is to identify the factors contributing to the obesity pandemic in the continent and proffer probable solutions. Using appropriate terms, electronic medical databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, SCOPUS and the African Journal Online (AJOL) were extensively searched. The inciting factors for the rising prevalence in Africa are multidimensional. The challenges posed by the disease are also multifactorial. This review would serve as an eye-opener to researchers, policy makers and clinicians managing obesity in Africa so as to improve the care of individuals living with obesity.