Newswise — In certain African countries that have historically grappled with issues like undernourishment and hunger, there exists a peculiar perception that being overweight signifies good health and prosperity. Paradoxically, these nations are witnessing a surge in obesity, a chronic ailment affecting millions worldwide. One such country is Zimbabwe, where the adoption of processed, high-calorie foods associated with Western lifestyles has contributed to this concerning trend.
To shed light on this matter, a study conducted by graduate student Ashleigh Pencil from Osaka City University's Graduate School of Human Life Science and Dr. Naomi Hayami from Osaka Metropolitan University's Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology, delved into the prevalence of obesity and the factors contributing to low obesity awareness among 423 school-going adolescents aged 14 to 19 in Harare, Zimbabwe's capital city.
The study revealed that 15.8% of the participants were either obese or overweight, with a notably higher proportion among girls. Additionally, 27.1% of the adolescents displayed low awareness of obesity, with girls being more affected. The research identified two significant factors linked to this low awareness: the lack of formal education among household heads and poor eating habits among adolescents.
Ms. Ashleigh Pencil remarked, "These findings underscore the urgent need to address the gap in obesity awareness among adolescents in Zimbabwe. Our goal is to develop intervention programs that promote obesity prevention and nutrition education, involving both household heads and children, to raise awareness about diet-related diseases."
Their findings were published in Nutrients.
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