Obesity Crisis in Kenya: Women Bear the Brunt

Obesity on the Rise in Kenya: Women Disproportionately Affected Nairobi, Kenya – A recent TV47 news segment highlighted a growing concern in Kenya: the increasing rates of obesity, particularly among women. The report featured Dr. Dhaval, a laparoscopic surgeon, who explained the serious health implications of obesity, including joint pain, hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory problems. "If someone is obese, it affects the joints, heart issues like hypertension, insulin resistance leading to diabetes, difficulty in breathing and low confidence and depression," Dr. Dhaval stated. The segment also cited data from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, indicating that 38.4% of women are affected by diabetes, a significantly higher rate than among men. The reasons for this disparity are being explored, with hormonal factors and the adoption of Westernized lifestyles being considered as contributing elements. The discussion also included the impact of reduced physical activity and the increased consumption of processed foods and fast food in modern Kenyan life. The report serves as a call for increased awareness and preventative measures to combat the rising obesity rates in Kenya, particularly among women, and to address the underlying health issues associated with this condition.