By Sbongile Sokela
The World Obesity Day Summit held in Johannesburg highlighted the growing childhood obesity crisis, calling for urgent action to address the issue. The Gauteng Department of Health, in partnership with Novo Nordisk and the City of Johannesburg, emphasized the need for sustainable, community-driven solutions to combat the rising obesity rates in South Africa.
MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, pointed out the severe impact of obesity on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, and strokes, which are overwhelming the province’s healthcare system. Nkomo-Ralehoko stressed that obesity should no longer be viewed as a mere lifestyle choice but as a public health crisis, with prevention being key.
As part of the global Cities for Better Health Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative (CBH COPI), Johannesburg is a key focus area for interventions aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles. With 13% of South African children aged 6-14 being overweight or obese, this initiative underscores the urgent need for action.
Sara Norcross, Vice President of Novo Nordisk South Africa, highlighted the importance of long-term, community-based interventions involving families, schools, and local governments. The summit also included a powerful personal testimony from Belle Oliver, a Nutritional Therapist, who shared her emotional and physical challenges of growing up with obesity, including a diabetes diagnosis at the age of 16.
The Gauteng Department of Health has committed to addressing the crisis through outreach campaigns that promote healthy living and emphasize the availability of dietitians at primary healthcare facilities. Hospitals such as Tembisa Tertiary, Chris Hani Baragwanath, and Charlotte Maxeke are already seeing increasing numbers of obesity-related illnesses, signaling the urgent need for proactive measures.
