Africa: Think You're Healthy? Hidden Obesity Risks May Already Be Damaging Your Body Silently
Tanzania is facing a rising public health challenge as obesity rates increase among both adults and children. The government is implementing new policies and awareness campaigns to combat the associated risks of non-communicable diseases.
Why it matters
Rising obesity in developing nations poses a significant threat to public health systems and economic productivity.
Dar es Salaam - THE growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) has become one of Tanzania's most pressing public health challenges, with obesity emerging as a major risk factor behind the rising number of people diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Health experts say changing lifestyles, unhealthy diets rich in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats, coupled with reduced physical activity, are contributing to an increase in overweight and obesity among both adults and children, threatening to reverse gains made in improving the country's overall health.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tanzania is experiencing a growing burden of obesity, with 12.6 per cent of adults aged 18 years and above living with obesity in 2022, based on agestandardised estimates.
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