ele Media Africa
www.selemedia.org
Reported by Amos Dachung – Sele Media Africa Reporter
September 10, 2025
South African Campaigners Tackle Childhood Obesity with Innovative Initiatives
South Africa is confronting a growing childhood obesity crisis, with recent studies indicating that 13% of children aged 6–14 are overweight or obese, placing the nation among the highest rates in Africa [1] . In response, various organizations and youth-led movements are spearheading campaigns to promote healthier lifestyles and combat the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Youth-Led Movements Advocating for Healthier Choices
UNICEF South Africa has launched the “My Body, My Health: My Wealth” campaign, empowering young people to advocate for healthier food environments. The initiative focuses on promoting nutritious diets, physical activity, and mental wellness among youth, aiming to reduce the risk of NCDs [2] .
Complementing this effort is the “Fix My Food” coalition, a youth-driven movement advocating for a fairer food system where healthy food is accessible and affordable for all. The coalition is part of a global initiative present in over 10 countries, emphasizing the importance of youth voices in shaping food policies [3] .
Medical Community Emphasizes Nutrition Education
The Physicians Association for Nutrition (PAN) South Africa has introduced the “Nourish to Thrive” campaign, aiming to reshape conversations around obesity and advocate for evidence-based nutrition solutions. The campaign emphasizes integrating nutrition education into healthcare systems and expanding access to affordable, nutrient-dense foods in communities most affected by food insecurity and obesity [4] .
Health Implications of Childhood Obesity
A study by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital revealed that a significant number of young South African children are developing serious health conditions typically seen in adults, such as high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels, due to obesity. The study analyzed health records of 430 children treated for obesity, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures [5] .
Global Context and Call to Action
According to a 2025 UNICEF report, for the first time globally, more children are obese than underweight, with 9.4% of children aged 5–19 classified as obese. The report attributes this shift to the widespread consumption of ultra-processed foods, replacing nutritious options in children’s diets. UNICEF calls for government action, including regulating marketing, banning ultra-processed foods in schools, and supporting families with access to healthy diets [6] .
As South Africa grapples with this dual burden of undernutrition and obesity, these campaigns underscore the importance of collaborative efforts between youth, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to create a healthier future for the nation’s children.
For more updates on health initiatives and policies, stay tuned to Sele Media Africa.
Citations:
1. EWN: www.ewn.co.za/2025/03/04/world-obesity-day-sa-has-one-of-the-highest-rates-of-childhood-obesity-in-africa?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. UNICEF: www.unicef.org/southafrica/my-body-my-health-my-wealth?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. UNICEF: www.unicef.org/southafrica/fix-my-food?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. PAN South Africa: www.pan-sa.org/press/pan-south-africa-launches-nourish-to-thrive-campaign-for-world-obesity-day-2025-2jlbh?utm_source=chatgpt.com
5. South African Medical Research Council: www.samrc.ac.za/press-releases/childhood-obesity-linked-early-onset-serious-health-conditions-new-study-finds?utm_source=chatgpt.com
6. The Guardian: www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/sep/10/junk-food-upf-more-children-obese-than-underweight-unicef?utm_source=chatgpt.com
About The Author
Discover more from Sele Media Africa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
