Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Thokozani Simelane, Professor of Practice, Human Sciences Research Council
Published on 2024-03-17 08:42:31
Malnutrition, in all its forms, encompasses undernutrition (wasting, stunting, underweight), inadequate vitamins or minerals, overweight, and obesity. South Africa has experienced a nutritional shift over the last three decades, known as the triple burden of malnutrition, where households are facing undernutrition, hidden hunger, and overweight or obesity due to poor diets.
A recent study, the National Food and Nutrition Security Survey, revealed that nearly half of South Africa’s adult population is overweight or obese despite having enough food through local production and imports. However, many families still struggle with hunger due to high unemployment rates, leading them to purchase cheap, low-nutrient foods to stave off hunger.
Conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council, this survey aimed to identify hunger and malnutrition hotspots across the country. Data from over 34,500 households collected between 2021 and 2023 highlighted the prevalence of obesity and overweight individuals, especially among women and adults aged 35 to 64.
Excess weight poses significant health risks, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. Adults with a body mass index above 25 are considered overweight, while those with a body mass index over 30 are classified as obese.
Despite the challenges posed by malnutrition and obesity, swift government responses and relief programs during the COVID-19 pandemic helped reduce extreme poverty and food insecurity for many families. Moving forward, the Human Sciences Research Council recommended focusing on high-malnutrition areas, promoting food production, establishing food banks, assisting vulnerable households during seasonal hunger, and launching public education campaigns on healthy eating habits.
A global study published in the Lancet highlighted the alarming rise in obesity worldwide, emphasizing the need for strategies to combat malnutrition and promote healthier lifestyles. By addressing the root causes of malnutrition and raising awareness about the importance of a balanced diet, South Africa can work towards reducing the burden of obesity and improving overall public health.
