Stopping the scale before it tips over: Preventative care in curbing obesity

Preventative care in curbing obesity (Photo: iStock)

The 21st Century has been characterized as a century of significant lifestyle diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, 1 in 8 people were living with obesity. Worldwide adult obesity has more than doubled since 1990, and adolescent obesity has quadrupled.

In Kenya, the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) conducted by KNBS, reported a 10.97 per cent obesity prevalence among adults (15-49 years old) [1]. This paints a grim picture for the future of Kenya's youth, owing to the medical problems that increase the risk of many other diseases and health problems. In March, the World marks International Obesity Day, a unified day of action that calls for a cohesive, cross-sector response to the obesity crisis. This year, the theme is centred on 'Let's Talk about Obesity', calling all to start cross-cutting conversations.