The Gauteng Department of Health has sounded the alarm over rising obesity levels in the province, warning that the trend is driving a sharp increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke and heart disease.
The warning comes as South Africa marks National Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month in February, culminating in Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Day on 20 February.
According to recent data, approximately half of South African adults are living with excess weight, with 23% classified as overweight and 27% as obese.
Health officials say the situation is particularly concerning in urban provinces such as Gauteng, where long working hours, sedentary routines, limited physical activity and increased consumption of processed foods, compounded by alcohol and tobacco use, are accelerating the onset of chronic illnesses.
The department also reveals that the past 12 months alone, Gauteng recorded more than 67 000 newly diagnosed cases of hypertension. Of these, over 25 000 cases were detected among adults aged 18 to 44, while approximately 42 000 were recorded among those aged 45 and older. The department says the data reflects a worrying shift, with high blood pressure increasingly affecting younger adults.
During the same period, more than 8.7 million adults were screened for hypertension across the province. Ward-Based Outreach Teams have played a key role in conducting community-based screenings, early detection and referrals for treatment.
Diabetes prevalence in Gauteng currently stands at approximately 12%. While the province has achieved a 67% diabetes control rate among patients receiving treatment, surpassing its 65% target, officials caution that a significant number of residents remain undiagnosed and at risk of serious complications, including stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, blindness and amputations.
Long-term data further underscores the scale of the challenge. Hypertension prevalence has risen significantly over the years, increasing from 29% to 49% among men and from 34% to 51% among women. The department warns that without urgent lifestyle changes, preventable diseases will continue to place sustained pressure on families, communities and the public healthcare system.
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has urged residents to take proactive steps to safeguard their health by participating in the department’s #AsibeHealthyGP campaign.
“The rising levels of preventable chronic illnesses are threatening the health and productivity of our province. Prevention starts with each one of us,” Nkomo-Ralehoko said.
“I call on all Gauteng residents to join our #AsibeHealthyGP campaign and participate in Wellness Wednesdays by dedicating a few minutes every Wednesday to physical activity. We also encourage corporates and private companies to support this initiative by allowing employees time to exercise at the workplace.”
In line with recommendations from the World Health Organization, which advise adults to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, the department emphasised that maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition, regular exercise, reduced alcohol consumption, avoiding tobacco use and routine health screenings remains the most effective defence against non-communicable diseases.
Saturday Star
Saturday Star Reporter
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