childhood obesity

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Load-shedding: powering malnutrition and obesity

News

South Africa is likely to experience even more malnutrition and obesity as the power crisis affects the quality of food children eat. Dr Edzani Mphaphuli, Executive Director at Grow Great, said the impacts would be more apparent in about two…

LililtaG
January 24, 2023

Childhood obesity should be regarded as a threat to children’s rights, says expert

Health

Increasing rates of obesity among children should be framed as a critical issue, according to global health experts. Addressing overweight and obesity early on could preventing the development of other noncommunicable diseases.

NdivhuwoMukwevho
April 20, 2021

Childhood obesity to rise rapidly in the coming years

News

Obesity is a fast growing disease in South Africa, with one in eight children now living with obesity. Poverty and access to processed foods are worsening this non-communicable disease, say experts.

NdivhuwoMukwevho
March 19, 2021

Hidden dangers in food marketed to children

Health

Salt, sugar, fat – these are the predominant ingredients in foods that are advertised to children, a study shows.

jamesthabo
September 25, 2019

Curb childhood obesity at home

News

With childhood obesity on the rise globally, many parents remain unaware of the powerful impact a poor diet can have.

NdivhuwoMukwevho
September 16, 2019

McDonald’s SA book campaign: Not such ‘happy meals’

News

Is offering a book with a ‘happy meal’ at one of South Africa’s 270 McDonald’s outlets another gimmick aimed at getting kids hooked on unhealthy food? Experts say yes.

Pontsho Pilane
June 3, 2019

Obese 9-year-old turns to comfort eating after rape

Our Health

NORTHERN CAPE – Nine-year old Tshepi* weighs 68,9kg and wears size 42 clothes. Her parents, concerned that she has also already started getting her periods, are worried that if she continues to gain weight she will not be able to enjoy her childhood.

mpholekgetho
January 18, 2019

Obesity: is it you or ‘the system’?

News

South Africans are getting fatter every year. Is it because we lack self-control or is it because big food companies are ruthlessly targeting this country? Kerry Cullinan, Amy Green and Pontsho Pilane report.

kerrycullinan, kerrycullinan and kerrycullinan
October 15, 2018

Our obesity epidemic is not a personal choice

News

The pandemic of obesity in South Africa is a result of our ‘Americanised’ food environment and the responsibility should be shifted from individuals to government policies, according to experts.

Amy Green and Amy Green
October 12, 2018

Ramaphosa’s morning exercise: A ‘powerful’ message for South Africans

Health

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi argues that the political leadership shown by newly elected president Cyril Ramaphosa is a powerful tool in the fight against a growing “explosion” of lifestyle diseases, writes HEALTH-E’s Amy Green.

Amy Green
March 5, 2018

Hard to overcome childhood obesity

News

It can be beaten but it isn’t easy: Childhood obesity is in the spotlight as government votes on a tax for sugary drinks – a major cause of excess body fat.

Amy Green
November 8, 2017

Obese or not: Excess fat makes you sick

News

In South Africa, excess body weight is a massive problem, and is linked to a growing number of deaths - study.

Amy Green
June 13, 2017

Mom bans junk after 5-year-old son hits 45kg

Health, Our Health

A mother, upset about her five-year-old son having become extremely overweight, has managed to resolve the situation by seeking help from a counsellor and dietician.