A literature review of role of obesity in adult health with reference to Africa

Abstract

Although obesity is a global epidemic that affects every socio-economic class, little is available in the literature on the status of the syndrome in Africa. This literature review was therefore written in order to highlight the causes, effects and potential mitigation measures of the syndrome with particular interest on the status of the condition in Africa. Obesity results from an incorrect energy balance leading to an increased store of energy, mainly as fat. The major factors that contribute to obesity include over-nutrition, physical inactivity, change of dietary habits, modernization, consumption of high fat, high carbohydrate foods, urbanization and in a minority of patients a physical condition or metabolic disturbance. Body mass index (BMI) is currently being used by competent authorities as an index of obesity. BMI differentiates classes of obesity, with class I, II and III being identified with BMI of ≥30 but <35, ≥35 but <40, and ≥40, respectively. A BMI of 18.5-25 is regarded as normal. However, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate obesity due to excess fat deposition and that due to muscle atrophy. Also, current procedures for estimating body fat percentage are not as accurate as they should and often give different results. Despite women tending to be more obese than men, they are less prone to hypertension, heart disease and type 2 diabetes than men before they reach menopause due to their fat deposition being predominantly sub-cutaneous rather than abdominal. In 2010, the WHO estimated that about 1.4 billion adults were overweight and obese, but 300-400 million were obese. The defining metabolic changes in obesity are decreased glucose tolerance, decreased sensitivity to insulin, hyperinsulinemia and reduced life expectancy. Obesity can be treated by restricting food intake and engaging in regular physical exercises. Other measures include the use of anorectic drugs and various forms of jejunoileostomy. Obesity is a controllable behavioural disorder, with regular exercise and sensible eating being the best ways to regulate body fat percentage and maintain a healthy body weight. As it is difficult to treat obesity, efforts should be directed towards prevention in order to keep it in check.

The Relationship of Physical Activities on Obesity in Adults in Indonesia

“…The environmental changes related to diet and physical activity can cause an obesity epidemic [15]. While Lokuruka (2013) revealed that high calorie intake, high consumption of fatty meat and oily food, high alcohol consumption combined with low physical activity tends to cause obesity [16]. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) study related to the relationship between physical activity and obesity showed a decrease in BMI which varied in the intervention group compared to the control group.…”

Overweight and Its Associated Factors among Women of Reproductive Age in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia, 2021: Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

“…In parts of West Africa, these rates have more than doubled over the past 15 years. In Morocco, more than 40% of the population is overweight, and three-quarters of the obese population worldwide will be in nonindustrialized countries by 2025 [ 10 , 11 ].…”

Obesity Risk Factors among 25-65 Years Old Adults in Bogor City, Indonesia: A Prospective Cohort Study

“…Obesity is linked to high-calorie food intake, high intake of fatty meat and oily foods, and high consumption of alcohols combined with low physical activity (Lokuruka 2013). Studies have shown the risk factors for obesity are gender, age, occupation, education level, economic status, marital status, urban living area, smoking habit, consumption of fatty food, consumption of sweet food, and level physical activity (Hou et al 2008;Sugianti et al 2009;Oanh et al 2009;Shayo & Mugusi 2011;Mir Islam & Rasooly 2013;Gbary et al 2014;.…”