Confronting Obesity Crisis
Young Advocates Call for Multi-Sector Collaboration to Improve Prevention, Care, Treatment, and Awareness Strategies
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 --- (5-3-2026) – Zambia is facing a growing obesity crisis, prompting youth advocates, health experts, and citizens to call for urgent multi-sector collaboration to improve prevention, care, treatment, and public awareness.
The Zambia Heart and Stroke Foundation (ZHSF) said during the commemorations pf the World Obesity Day that there is need for stronger measures to combat obesity, a condition that significantly increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Speaking on behalf of ZHSF Chairperson Sida Lweendo, youth advocate Nzali Chitindi highlighted the complexity of obesity, noting that it is influenced by genetics, hormones, lifestyle, and environmental factors—not just personal choice.
“The theme for this year, ‘8 Billion Reasons to Act on Obesity,’ highlights that obesity affects people worldwide and that every individual counts in addressing this health crisis,” Chitindi said during a Lusaka event attended by government officials, civil society members, and media.
Projections indicate that by 2035, nearly four billion people—half of the global population—could be living with overweight or obesity.
Childhood obesity is rising in low- and middle-income countries like Zambia, worsening existing health inequalities.
Chitindi called on government, healthcare providers, schools, workplaces, and civil society to collaborate on prevention, awareness, and access to care.
“Building a society that understands rather than stigmatizes obesity and supports those affected is a shared responsibility,” he said.
World Obesity Day, observed annually on 4 March, is a global initiative led by the World Obesity Federation to raise awareness and encourage action on obesity.
Experiences of People Living with Obesity
Phalany Phiri, who has lived with obesity for 12 years, described the physical and social barriers she encounters.
“When you go to the hospital, many machines are not designed for big-sized people. Even transport is a challenge—you struggle to fit and face constant discomfort. It makes you feel isolated,” Phiri said.
She highlighted societal attitudes, adding, “People judge you differently. Friends or family may comment about your size, and peers sometimes laugh at you.
Clothing options are limited, and even hospital beds and medical equipment are not always suitable for people like me.”
Phiri also noted the mental and emotional toll.
“Obesity affects not just the body but also your mental health. There’s very little support for emotional well-being, and navigating daily life can feel exhausting,” she said.
“Everyone has a role in creating a society where obesity is understood. Equal access to education, treatment, and healthy living environments is essential,” he said.
Jonathan Shinkanga highlighted gaps in Zambia’s healthcare system, stating, “Many facilities are ill-equipped to manage obesity, and stigma discourages people from seeking treatment, increasing health risks.”
Joshua Taulo urged communities to promote healthier environments.
“Together, we can change the narrative around obesity. There are eight billion reasons to participate in World Obesity Day 2026—to support our communities and advocate for healthier living,” he said.
Natasha Kaunda reinforced the need for multi-sector action.
“Obesity is not simply about appearance or personal choice. It requires coordinated action across multiple sectors, early prevention, and access to care.”
Youth advocate Barbra Mwenya shared her personal experience.
“Managing my condition was difficult, especially with transportation and checkups. With support, my health stabilized, but the experience highlighted barriers people face in accessing care,” she said.
Ngonjongo Kayeka also spoke on the emotional impact of living with obesity. “I will lose weight because I want to live a healthy life, not because someone told me to.
But discrimination is frequent—you hear whispers and mocking comments everywhere. It’s emotionally draining.
People often criticize you for being who you are without thinking about how it affects you emotionally. There’s a real need for awareness and empathy in society,” he said.
Health Perspectives and Recommendations
The Ministry of Health has warned that rising overweight and obesity rates in Zambia pose a growing public health challenge.
Senior Health Officer Ernest Kakoma noted that about 28 percent of Zambians are overweight, with 10 percent classified as obese, predominantly women.
“Overweight is not the same as obesity. A BMI above 25 indicates overweight, while higher levels indicate obesity,” Kakoma explained.
He urged Zambians to adopt healthier lifestyles through regular physical activity and improved diets.
“If you can walk instead of drive, that is one simple way to improve your health,” he said.
He also recommended policy measures such as taxing sugary beverages and limiting unhealthy products, alongside infrastructure improvements like safe walking paths and recreational areas.
At the service level, the Ministry has deployed physiotherapists and specialists in most hospitals to support weight management and related health needs. Medical treatment and referrals are available for those with severe weight-related health challenges.
Kakoma emphasized that addressing obesity requires coordinated efforts from communities, health professionals, and policymakers to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases in Zambia.
Silas Tembo, from the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, highlighted the importance of promoting green environments and healthier food systems.
“Encouraging communities to grow and consume fresh fruits and vegetables can improve nutrition and reduce reliance on processed foods,” Tembo said.
He also noted that government can use policy measures, including taxes on processed foods, to discourage excessive consumption.
Tembo stressed creating clean and green cities to encourage outdoor activities and highlighted ongoing collaborations with other government institutions to promote environmental protection and sustainable development that supports healthier communities.
Health Promotions Officer Chosha Mulungu, from the Cancer Diseases Hospital, warned that poor diets and physical inactivity increase cancer risk.
“Diets high in fat and heavily processed foods can increase the risk of cancers affecting the digestive system, including oesophageal cancer,” he said.
He urged regular exercise, balanced diets rich in vegetables, and early screenings, emphasizing that cancer treatment is costly and prevention is critical.
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