Abstract

DIET, OBESITY AND NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN SOUTH AFRICA AND INDIA

Seema Rath, Tiisetso Morobi, Tinatsei Chigumete, Fadzai Mushoriwa, Sunitha Srinivas*

ABSTRACT

An epidemic increase in Non-Communicable Diseases is a major cause of global death and disability. Its burden is most severe on developing countries, as it perpetuates poverty. Addressing major risk factors for NCDs is expected to help in a significant reduction of the burden of chronic diseases. Obesity - one of the risk factors that increase the probability of various diseases and disabilities - is mainly caused by an unhealthy diet and physical inactivity. This epidemic affects developing countries like South Africa and India. Various socio-economic, demographic, and cultural factors which lead to changing dietary preferences provide insight into reasons for South Africa having higher rates of obesity than India. However, India - a more populous country - is bound to have a higher incidence of obesity in absolute terms. The socio-economic burdens posed by obesity affect sustainable human development, especially if appropriate steps involving all the stakeholders are not taken at the right time.

Keywords: Obesity, Diet, Non Communicable Diseases, Sustainable human development.