On March 4, 2025, the global community observes World Obesity Day, focusing on the theme “Changing Systems, Healthier Lives.” This day highlights the urgent need to tackle the systemic factors fuelling the escalating obesity epidemic worldwide (1). 

Global Perspective: A Growing Health Crisis

Around the world, rates of obesity have reached alarming levels, with projections indicating that by 2035, 1.9 billion people will be living with obesity, nearly one in four individuals. This surge brings with it not only a significant health burden but also threatens to impact the global economy, with an estimated economic burden of $4.32 trillion by 2035 (2).

It is well established that obesity is a complex, chronic disease influenced by various factors such as genetics, environment, and lifestyle. As such, addressing this issue requires a comprehensive, multisectoral approach, including interventions targeting diet and nutrition, physical activity, food marketing regulation, and improved access to health education, care, and treatment (3).

South Africa: A Nation Confronting Obesity

This global crisis also resonates strongly in South Africa. South Africa faces a significant obesity challenge, with more than half of the adult population affected. Notably, over two-thirds of women are living with overweight or obesity (4). This prevalence has increased dramatically over the last two decades, leading to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) now responsible for more deaths and disability than HIV and AIDS or tuberculosis (12).  In South Africa, where the highest number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) reside, the burden of obesity, hypertension (HPT), and type 2 diabetes (T2D) is substantial. A recent meta-analysis revealed that the overall prevalence of obesity, HPT, and T2D among PLHIV in South Africa was 23.2%, 25.5%, and 6.1%, respectively (5). The resultant economic impact is substantial, with costs associated with overweight and obesity accounting for 15% of government health spending (6).

Alarmingly, childhood obesity is also on the rise, with 13% of children aged 6 to 14 classified as overweight or obese, one of the highest rates in Africa, a trend underscoring the need for early intervention and comprehensive strategies to promote healthier lifestyles among the youth (7). Given the overlapping burdens of HIV and NCDs, there is a pressing need for cost-effective interventions and management strategies that integrate both HIV and NCD care (5).

The Noakes Foundation: Pioneering Change Through Lifestyle Interventions

It is not too late to change the trajectory of obesity in South Africa. At the forefront of combating this epidemic, The Noakes Foundation leads the charge in advancing nutritional research and advocating for lifestyle changes and widespread access to nutritional education to address obesity. Through initiatives like the Eat Better South Africa (EBSA) program, The Noakes Foundation empowers communities with knowledge and resources to make healthier food choices. By emphasizing a low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diet and promoting real, whole foods over processed options, the foundation aims to transform eating habits, a critical cog in the transformation of weight and disease management (8).​ 

Lifestyle Changes: A Path to Reversing the Epidemic

Addressing obesity requires a multifaceted approach that includes:​

• Dietary Modifications: Adopting balanced, nutrient-dense diets rich in whole foods can significantly impact weight management and overall health.​
• Physical Activity: Encouraging regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.​
• Policy Initiatives: Implementing regulations on food marketing, especially to children, and ensuring access to healthy foods are crucial steps toward systemic change (8,9).
• Healthcare Access: Providing comprehensive obesity care and treatment, including counseling and medical interventions, ensures individuals receive the support they need (8,10).

World Obesity Day 2025 serves as a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility to address the obesity crisis. By transforming systems and empowering individuals, we can pave the way for healthier lives and a more sustainable future (11).

Are you ready to take control of your health? Start your journey today by making small, sustainable changes to your diet and lifestyle. Click here to access our resources and tips for a healthier you.

References:

1. World Obesity Day: Homepage. (2025). ​bizcommunity.com+4ewn.co.za+4knowledge-action-portal.com+4worldobesityday.org
2. World Obesity Federation. (2023). World Obesity Atlas 2023. Retrieved from https://www.worldobesity.org/news/economic-impact-of-overweight-and-obesity-to-surpass-4-trillion-by-2035
3. World Obesity Day 2025: Changing Systems, Healthier Lives. (2025). https://www.emro.who.int/fr/media/actualites/obesity-day-2025-addressing-the-growing-burden-of-obesity.html 
4. Smith, M. H., Myrick, J. W., Oyageshio, O., Uren, C., Saayman, J., Boolay, S., van der Westhuizen, L., Werely, C., Möller, M., Henn, B. M., & Reynolds, A. W. (2023). Epidemiological correlates of overweight and obesity in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa. PeerJ, 11, e14723. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.14723
5. Gizamba JM, Davies J, Africa C, Choo-Kang C, Goedecke JH, Madlala H, Lambert EV, Rae DE, Myer L, Luke A, Dugas LR. (2023). Prevalence of obesity, hypertension and diabetes among people living with HIV in South Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis. 23(1):861. doi: 10.1186/s12879-023-08736-5.
6. World Obesity Day: ‘All Countries Significantly Off Track to Meet 2025 WHO Targets on Obesity’. (2025). https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/south-africa-applying-the-lessons-learned-from-tackling-hiv-to-accelerate-action-on-obesity 
7. World Obesity Day: ‘All Countries Significantly Off Track to Meet 2025 WHO Targets on Obesity’. (2025). https://www.ewn.co.za/2025/03/04/world-obesity-day-sa-has-one-of-the-highest-rates-of-childhood-obesity-in-africa 
8. Chandiwana N, Venter W, Manne-Goehler J, Wade A, Le Roux C, Mbalati N, Grimbeek A, Kruger P, Montsho E, Zimela Z, Yawa A, Tshabalala S, Rambau N, Mpofu N, Stevenson S, McNulty B, Ntusi N, Pillay Y, Dave J, Murphy A, Goldstein S, Hfman K, Mahomedy S, Thomas E, Mrara B, Wing J, Lubbe J, Koto Z, Conradie-Smit M, Wharton S, May W, Marr I, Kaplan H, Forgan M, Alexander G, Turner J, Fourie VR, Hellig J, Banks M, Ragsdale K, Noeth M, Mohamed F, Myer L, Lebina L, Maswime S, Moosa Y, Thomas S, Mbelle M, Sinxadi P, Bekker LG, Bhana S, Fabian J, Decloedt E, Bayat Z, Daya R, Bobat B, Storie F, Goedecke J, Kahn K, Tollman S, Mansfield B, Siedner M, Marconi V, Mody A, Mtshali N, Geng E, Srinivasa S, Ali M, Lalla-Edwards S, Bentley A, Wolvaardt G, Hill A, Nel J. (2024). Obesity is South Africa’s new HIV epidemic. S Afr Med J. 114(3):e1927. doi: 10.7196/SAMJ.2024.v114i3.1927.
9. World Obesity Day 2025: Changing Systems, Healthier Lives. (2025). https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.worldobesity.org/training-and-events/events/world-obesity-day-2025&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1741178722738428&usg=AOvVaw0h8AV2TbpkyVtyFTlqeg6h 
10. South Africa: Applying the Lessons Learned from Tackling HIV to Accelerate Action on Obesity. (2025). https://www.emro.who.int/fr/media/actualites/obesity-day-2025-addressing-the-growing-burden-of-obesity.html 
11. World Obesity Day: ‘All Countries Significantly Off Track to Meet 2025 WHO Targets on Obesity’. (2025). https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.worldobesity.org/training-and-events/events/world-obesity-day-2025&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1741178722738428&usg=AOvVaw0h8AV2TbpkyVtyFTlqeg6h 
12. World Health Organization. (2020). Global NCD Compact 2020–2030: A global compact to save lives and improve livelihoods for people living with NCDs.https://www.who.int/initiatives/global-noncommunicable-diseases-compact-2020-20301.