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Some Africans have long seen a big belly as a sign of wealth. It’s killing them
- In many African cultures, including Kenya, a large belly traditionally symbolizes wealth and status, with politicians often called 'Mkubwa' or 'Boss' for their girth.
- This cultural perception contributes to rising obesity rates, driven by growing incomes, fast-food access, sedentary lifestyles, and lacking physical activity infrastructure in urban areas.
- Obesity-Related non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, now cause 39% of annual deaths in Kenya where 13% of adults are obese, despite almost a third still lacking sufficient food.
- Kenyan nutritionist Felix Okoth explained that many individuals believe gaining wealth should be reflected by becoming overweight or obese, while WHO Africa has warned that this growing pattern poses a serious threat to the continent’s health.
- Public health campaigns and changing views increasingly challenge the weight-wealth link, but many MPs still show obesity, indicating a need for broader acknowledgment and action in affected communities.
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Winnipeg Free Press+8 Reposted by 8 other sources
Some Africans have long seen a big belly as a sign of wealth. It’s killing them
Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada
·Winnipeg, Canada
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Some Africans have long seen a big belly as a sign of wealth. It’s killing them - The Morning Sun
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — 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. In Kenya, overweight politicians are often called Boss or Mkubwa — Swahili for “big man” — by constituents, with their girth symbolizing prosperity. Younger politicians, including the governors of Nairobi and Mombasa, have begun speaking publicly about weight l…
·Pittsburg, United States
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Leaning Left5Leaning Right3Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
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