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…
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Obesity time bomb for Zim Children
PUBLIC Health experts have warned of an imminent obesity epidemic in Zimbabwean children, owing to multiple changes in the environment that promote high-calorie, poor quality dietary intake and minimal physical activity. By Michael Gwarisa While obesity was singled out as the biggest pending crises, the experts also warned of a rise in other Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as mental health disorders among other conditions linked to leading a sedentary lifestyle. In an interview with HealthTimes, Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) Environmental Health Officer, Natasha Muziringa said the new…
Read MoreThe “Ndiro ya Baba” Phenomenon:…A closer look at the intra household food distribution in Zimbabwe
TO those who have had a stint with rural life you might have across these phrases, “Musana Wehuku Ndewababa,” loosely translated as “only the father or man of the house is the one who eats the entire Chicken’s back.” In Masvingo it’s called Chiteretere and in some households, women have even been sent packing for wrongly allocating chicken portions. By Dr Tonde Matsungo (PhD, MPhil, BSc) and Dexter Chagwena To consume the entire Chicken’s back, a humongous mountain of Sadza has to complement the meal. The practice whereby the father…
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