The latest Uganda Demographic and Health Survey report (UDHS) highlights a concerning trend: women in wealthier households are five times more likely to be overweight compared to those in the poorest households.
Similarly, men from affluent backgrounds and those with education beyond secondary level face an increased risk of overweight and obesity.
The report underscores this disparity, stating, “Women in the wealthiest households are five times more overweight or obese than women from the poorest households (45% vs. 8%).
Men with more than secondary education (28%) and those from the wealthiest households (21%) are overweight or obese, as mentioned in the report.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), released on March 1, 2024, adult obesity has more than doubled globally since 1990, with adolescent obesity quadrupling over the same period.
The WHO report reveals staggering numbers, with 2.5 billion adults and 890 million individuals living with obesity in 2022.
Samalie Namukose, assistant commissioner of the Nutrition Division of the Ministry of Health, attributes this rise to lifestyle factors and emphasizes the need for individual-level prevention efforts.
She stresses the importance of awareness and education, particularly targeting communities with information on healthy eating and active lifestyles.
Namukose points out the heightened risk among wealthier households, where disposable income often leads to the consumption of unhealthy foods. Overweight and obesity stem from a lack of balance between diet and physical activity, she explains.
To combat this trend, Namukose advocates for aggressive sensitization campaigns to empower individuals to make healthier choices. Betty Kyaddondo, Director of Family Health at the Population Council in Uganda, echoes these sentiments, emphasizing the need for lifestyle changes.
Kyaddondo suggests practical steps like opting for home-cooked meals, reducing oil intake, and limiting processed foods and sugars. She highlights the importance of incorporating physical activity into daily routines to counteract sedentary lifestyles.
These initiatives, championed by health officials, aim to tackle the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity in Uganda and promote healthier habits among its population.