Some Africans have seen an enormous stomach as an indication of wealth. It’s killing them | EUROtoday

In many African cultures, a big stomach has historically signified wealth and prosperity. However, this long-held notion is now proving lethal as obesity-related sicknesses develop into a number one reason behind dying.

In Kenya, the affiliation between weight and standing is especially evident. Overweight politicians usually earn the moniker “Boss” or “Mkubwa” – Swahili for “big man” – a time period reflecting the cultural view of girth as a logo of success. This notion, nonetheless, masks a rising well being disaster. Obesity contributes considerably to non-communicable ailments like diabetes, now the main reason behind dying in Kenya. According to the Kenyan well being ministry, these ailments account for 39% of fatalities yearly.

This alarming development has prompted a shift in attitudes, notably amongst youthful politicians. Leaders such because the governors of Nairobi and Mombasa have begun publicly discussing their weight reduction journeys, difficult conventional views and highlighting the significance of a wholesome life-style. This marks a possible turning level in a tradition the place weight has lengthy been equated with wealth, suggesting a rising consciousness of the intense well being dangers related to weight problems.

In a rustic the place the federal government has mentioned nearly a 3rd of the inhabitants remains to be unable to satisfy meals wants, 13% adults are overweight, in keeping with the 2025 World Obesity Atlas. The distinction highlights the nation’s rising inequality and the recognition of quick and processed meals by these with rising incomes.

Perceptions about weight problems can have an effect on monetary and different choices. In neighboring Uganda, microfinance establishments vetted mortgage candidates primarily based on their weight, and people chubby have been thought of extra capable of repay loans, in keeping with a examine revealed by the American Economic Review in 2023.

“Most people feel like when I start making money, I have to look like the money itself by being fat or obese,” mentioned Kenyan nutritionist Felix Okoth. “They however don’t realize that they are predisposing themselves to these lifestyle conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.”

The World Health Organization’s Africa director has known as the rising development a “ticking time bomb” for the continent with the world’s youngest and fastest growing population.

Some are trying to change the conversation around weight. A former senator in Kenya, Cleophas Malala, has described how a 15-hour flight to the U.S. left him in pain and how doctors advised him to reduce.

From a starting weight of 138 kilograms (304 pounds), he embarked on a non-solid diet for 90 days. Though he didn’t disclose his current weight, before-and-after photos show him noticeably slimmer.

“My colleagues in parliament were mad that I left the ‘club’ after I lost weight,” the 39-year-old has said.

Stephen Ogweno, who had childhood obesity and later became a public health advocate, said most Kenyan legislators don’t see the issue as a problem.

“These discussions are held in parliament where most MPs have big bellies, and so admitting that it concerns them, too, would be a good place to start,” he said.

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Kenyan President William Ruto has spoken publicly about the need to be fit for work. He had to reassure Kenyans in 2023 that he was okay after online speculation about his health following weight loss.

“I decided to cut it down because the task ahead was not easy,” he told journalists.

Increasing incomes, proliferation of fast-food outlets in urban areas, sedentary lifestyles and lack of infrastructure that promotes physical activity have been named as probable causes of rising obesity in developing countries.

“We need to make sure that when we move away from lack of food, we are not going to the wrong food groups,” said a Kampala-based doctor, Miriam Laker Oketta.

Public health campaigns will help demystify the perception that weight is an indication of wealth, said Caroline Kirui, the Africa director for Project ECHO, an information-sharing platform for healthcare workers.

Gyms, weight loss drugs and surgeries are being increasingly advertised in Kenya.

But approaches such as the Ozempic weight-loss drug have left some users like Caroline Havi dissatisfied. She said she turned to a one-meal-a-day diet instead and hopes to eventually reduce her weight from 105 kilograms to 70 “without spending so much.”

In South Africa, obesity-related deaths on account of non-communicable ailments have surpassed HIV-related deaths, in keeping with the WHO. The 2025 World Obesity Atlas mentioned 32% of South Africa’s adults are overweight.

The notion that weight is a logo of wealth is slowly altering, mentioned Rebone Ntsie, vitamin director on the National Department of Health.

“There are those that nonetheless see it like that, however individuals are additionally seeing the risks and its now not celebrated as an indication of dignity, magnificence, respect, social standing,” she mentioned.