US EditionSome Africans have long seen a big belly as a sign of wealth. It’s killing them
- Many African cultures, including Kenya, have traditionally seen a big belly as a symbol of wealth and status, often calling overweight politicians 'Mkubwa' or 'Boss'.
- This cultural perception has contributed to rising obesity rates amid growing incomes and urban fast-food access, even as nearly a third of Kenyans lack sufficient food.
- Obesity is linked to non-communicable diseases like diabetes, which now leads deaths in Kenya and accounts for 39% of annual fatalities, while South Africa faces similar trends.
- Kenyan former senator Cleophas Malala started at 138 kilograms and lost weight after medical advice, amid public discussions led by advocates and government figures about changing weight perceptions.
- Public health experts say the tradition of equating obesity with prosperity is declining as campaigns promote fitness, but challenges remain given Africa's young, fast-growing population and lifestyle factors.
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Associated Press News+11 Reposted by 11 other sources
Some Africans have long seen a big belly as a sign of wealth. It’s killing them
In many African cultures, a big belly has long been seen as a sign of wealth. But this perception is proving deadly as deaths due to obesity-related illnesses rise.
·United States
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