Health experts push for better obesity prevention and care

Health leaders say more than half of South African adults are overweight

Health leaders say there’s more to what drives obesity than personal choice. This as South Africa joins the international community in marking the 2026 World Obesity Day.

MEC for Health and Wellness, @NkomoNomantu will lead the World Obesity Day Indaba 2026 under the theme “8 Billion Reasons to Act on Obesity” at Soul Tsotetsi Community Hall in Sebokeng. Join us to learn, engage and take action towards healthier communities. Be part of the… pic.twitter.com/VYaO9vaC1W

— Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) March 3, 2026

The Gauteng Health Department says it will host a provincial World Obesity Day indaba in Sedbibeng on Wednesday. The department says 23% of children aged 6 to 14 in the country are overweight or obese.

The department is stepping up efforts to combat rising childhood obesity in the province with the launch of Asibe Healthy Jozi Kids initiative.

The aim of the initiative is to promote a healthy lifestyle.

MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko says, “We work with schools, parents, health care workers and partners to promote healthy eating, regular physical activity and supportive environments for our children. Prevention starts at home, at school and in our communities. We must encourage our children to move more, eat better and build healthy habits that will protect them for life.”

The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa and the National Health Department say more than half of South African adults are overweight or obese, with cases in children rising sharply.

Stakeholders are now calling for urgent action to improve prevention, treatment and access to care.

“Yes, in fact, World Obesity Day, which is today, is commemorated around the world to highlight that not enough emphasis is placed on the fact that obesity is a medical condition that needs to be taken seriously. It is not just a condition caused by poor eating habits or overeating,” says The foundation’s CEO is professor Pamela Naidoo.

#PODCAST 8 Billion Reasons to Act: South Africa sounds the alarm as today marks World Obesity Day 2026 #sabcnews #sabckzn @salpatel786

— SABC News Radio (@SABCNews_Radio) March 4, 2026