Health alarm sounds for Gauteng | Randfontein Herald

With February being National Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month, the obesity crisis and its direct link to the rise of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke and heart disease remains a growing concern in Gauteng.

The Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson, Kealeboga Mohajane, said recent data shows around 50% of adults have excess weight, with 23% classified as overweight and 27% as obese.

“In an urban province like Gauteng, long working hours, sedentary lifestyles, limited physical activity and increased consumption of processed foods, coupled with alcohol and tobacco use, are driving the rise of chronic illnesses and contributing to earlier onset of disease,” she said.

Over the past year, the province recorded more than 67 000 newly detected cases of hypertension, including over 25 000 among adults aged 18 to 44, and around 42 000 among those aged 45 and older.

“This shows a worrying trend of younger adults developing high blood pressure, a condition previously more common among older adults,” Mohajane added.

Ward-Based Outreach Teams played a critical role in screening over 8.7 million adults across Gauteng, ensuring early detection and referral.

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Diabetes remains a concern, with a prevalence of around 12% in the province. Mohajane noted that 67% of patients are receiving treatment, exceeding the provincial target of 65%, but many remain undiagnosed and at risk of serious complications, including stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and amputations. Long-term trends show hypertension prevalence increasing from 29% to 49% among men and from 34% to 51% among women over the years.

“Without urgent lifestyle changes, the burden of preventable diseases will continue to strain families, communities, and the public healthcare system,” she warned.

Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, urged West Rand residents and the wider province to take proactive steps to protect their health by joining the ongoing #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. I call on all residents, including those in the West Rand, to participate in Wellness Wednesdays by dedicating a few minutes each week to physical activity. We also encourage workplaces to allow employees time to exercise,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.

The World Health Organisation recommends adults get at least two and a half hours of moderate-intensity physical activity weekly. Mohajane concluded that maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition, regular exercise, reduced alcohol consumption, avoiding tobacco use, and routine health screening remains the most effective way to prevent NCDs.