How Are We Doing?

We are in a global crisis that is getting worse by the year. By 2030 almost half of the world’s population will be overweight or obese if present trends continue. But what is the state of obesity in SA? And more importantly how did we get here?

- Gotlhokwang Angoma-Mzini

You’re working late... Again. And the only snack you can munch on is a bag of chips from the vending machine. You want to clock in Fitbit time, but mom duties have you giving half the kids on your little one’s soccer team a lift home. It happens to all of us. Environmental factors can influence your food, your movement and even your portion size. And sometimes the influence is more than you realise.

We’re living in obesogenic environments. Sorry, what? Simply put, these are environments that promote unhealthy eating, lack of exercise and movement and generally induce weight gain. And the state of weight gain in the world is worse for it. A whopping 45 percent of the South African adult female population is classified as obese. Men come in at 15 percent. It’s bleak. But, although it may feel as if we’re losing ground, it’s not all doom and gloom. And it’s not unchangeable. There are women who are taking up the charge against obesity. Ordinary women who have picked up the mantle of physical activity, healthy eating and conscious living. Their message is clear: it’s not about killing PBs – it’s about walking to the shop instead of driving around the block. It’s not about kilojoule counting – it’s about eating whole foods... And knowing that it’s never too late is half the battle already won.

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