By Michael Gwarisa
Despite having a small population of 15.99 million according to the 2022 National Population and Housing Census Data, Zimbabwe’s obesity levels could soon engulf more than half of its population amidst indications of an increase in the prevalence of early disability and death due to obesity.
Recent data from the annual World Obesity Atlas shows that 79% of adults with overweight and obesity will live in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) by 2035 while 88% of children with overweight and obesity will be living in LMICs by 2035. It is also projected that the number of adults living with obesity will rise from 0.81 billion in 2020 to 1.53 billion in 2035
Zooming in on Zimbabwe, the Obesity Atlas noted that there is currently a 4.4% Annual growth rate in the projected number of adults with high Body Mass Index (BMI) 2020–2035. The report also noted a 6.5% Annual growth rate in the projected numbers of children with high BMI 2020–2035 in Zimbabwe.
According to the report, approximately 6.9 Million adults and 2.9 million children will be having high BMI by the year 2035 in Zimbabwe, bringing the estimated number of people with obesity to 9.9 million by 2025. The report further noted that in 2019, 5,250 Zimbabweans died from stroke due to high BMI while 1,700 people died from diabetes linked to high BMI. Another 3,500 died from Coronary heart diseases. Number of children who had high BMI in 2020 was 1,155,173.
The Atlas also provides compelling evidence of how lack of obesity care in health systems is driving all the major NCDs including cancer and diabetes. The alarming rise in obesity rates demands immediate attention and concerted action from governments, healthcare professions and communities worldwide.
The release of the 2024 Global Atlas highlights the imperative for a paradigm shift in our approach to tackling obesity. We need to stop false trade-offs between food and health, young and old, developed and developing country, and recognize this is a serious, global challenge that calls for multisectoral solutions and coordinated action,” said Johanna Ralston, CEO at the World Obesity Federation.
The new 2024 atlas underscores how factors driving economic development are contributing to obesity trends. Shockingly, of the global deaths attributed to high Body Mass Index (BMI), the population measure of obesity, 78% occur among adults in LMICs, eclipsing the 22% in high-income nations. Similarly, 80% of Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) are attributed to high BMI burden adults in LMICs, compared to a mere 20% in high-income countries.
“It’s a common misconception that obesity – and its myriad health implications – are only limited to certain countries in the Global North,’ said Kent Buse, Director of the Healthier Societies Program at the George Institute for Global Health.
“But the barriers to healthy and affordable foods, to active transport and much-needed medical support are not limited to what people likely consider to be ‘rich’ countries and governments all over the world need to implement policies that help communities gain access to healthy food and responsive health systems now. The projections in the Global Atlas make very clear what the alternative is and it is a frightening prospect.”
The 2024 atlas establishes a direct correlation between obesity and planetary health. Countries experiencing rapid economic growth are susceptible to increased levels of BMI and in turn, there are a number of environmental consequences that arise from that increase.
“With increasing economic development, we see increased levels of high BMI. We also see a similar correlation between high BMI and GHG emissions, increased urban population, plastic waste usage and insufficient physical activity,” said Louise Baur, WOF President.
“Furthermore, obesity rates are rising—at a very concerning rate—among children and adolescents globally. Measures targeting this demographic are crucial to ensure healthier future generations.”
World Obesity Day is an opportune time for governments to reaffirm their commitment to tackling this global challenge and strive towards a healthier and more equitable future for all.
By prioritising preventive measures and promoting healthy lifestyles, it is possible for governments to mitigate the adverse effects of obesity on individuals and societies.”