Health experts across Africa are urging governments to formally recognise obesity as a chronic medical condition, rather than merely a lifestyle choice, in line with the latest guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO). These calls coincide with the release of updated recommendations advocating for the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists as part of comprehensive strategies to prevent and manage obesity.
Obesity remains one of the most pressing public health challenges worldwide. According to the WHO, it contributes to millions of deaths annually and is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Alarmingly, the organisation warns that, without urgent intervention, the global prevalence of obesity could double by 2035.
In Africa, where healthcare resources are often constrained, experts emphasise the importance of adopting a multi-faceted approach. “Recognising obesity as a medical condition is a critical step,” notes Dr. Amina Yusuf, a public health specialist based in Nairobi, Kenya. “This acknowledgment allows health systems to prioritise treatment, fund programmes appropriately, and reduce the stigma that often prevents people from seeking help.”
The WHO’s new guidelines highlight the potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists in improving weight management outcomes when combined with lifestyle modifications, including dietary adjustments and physical activity. These pharmacological therapies have been shown in clinical trials to aid weight loss, improve metabolic parameters, and reduce the risk of obesity-related complications (Wilding et al., The Lancet, 2021).
Regional leaders are being urged to act swiftly to make these therapies more affordable and accessible. Strategies include negotiating lower prices with pharmaceutical companies and facilitating the production of generic versions, thereby ensuring that low-income families can benefit from effective treatment options.
Dr. Yusuf stresses the broader significance: “Obesity is not merely a matter of personal responsibility. It is a chronic disease with complex physiological, genetic, and environmental determinants. Access to effective therapies, supported by robust public health strategies, could substantially reduce the burden on African healthcare systems and improve quality of life for millions.”
As African nations contend with rising rates of obesity, integrating medical interventions such as GLP-1 therapies with preventive measures could provide a critical pathway to tackling a growing epidemic. Experts warn that without decisive action, the continent risks facing a surge in obesity-related illnesses, placing additional strain on healthcare infrastructure already stretched by infectious diseases and other chronic conditions.