Rising burden of obesity in africa: evidence from nigeria’s socioeconomic and lifestyle transitions
1
Food Safety, Africa center of Excellence for Mycotoxin and Food Safety, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2900
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Obesity has emerged as a major public health concern across Africa, with prevalence rising due to urbanization, changing diets, and sedentary lifestyles. In Nigeria, the prevalence of obesity has increased from 8.1% in 1990 to 25% in 2023, mirroring regional trends where adult obesity rates in Africa have doubled over the past two decades. The nutrition transition marked by increased consumption of processed foods and reduced physical activity is driving this epidemic and its associated risks, including diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using national health survey data collected between 2020 and 2025 from 10,000 adults aged 18 years and above across Nigeria. Anthropometric measurements (BMI, waist circumference), fasting glucose, and lipid profiles were assessed. Participants’ socioeconomic status, dietary patterns, and physical activity levels were analyzed using structured questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of obesity, adjusting for age, sex, and income.
RESULTS:
Overall obesity prevalence was 25% (95% CI: 23.7–26.3), with rates significantly higher in urban (33%) than rural (16%) populations (p < 0.001). Women were more affected (30%) than men (19%) (OR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.6–2.1). The prevalence of type 2 diabetes was 12%, while metabolic syndrome affected 20% of participants. Obesity was strongly associated with higher socioeconomic status (OR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.9–3.0) and low physical activity (OR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.6–2.7). Diets high in processed foods and sugary beverages increased the odds of obesity by 2.8 times (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS:
Obesity in Africa is an emerging epidemic driven by socioeconomic advancement, urbanization, and poor dietary behaviours. Urgent, context-specific interventions focusing on promoting physical activity, healthy diets, and equitable health education are essential to curb this trend and prevent the long-term burden of non-communicable diseases across the continent.
Obesity has emerged as a major public health concern across Africa, with prevalence rising due to urbanization, changing diets, and sedentary lifestyles. In Nigeria, the prevalence of obesity has increased from 8.1% in 1990 to 25% in 2023, mirroring regional trends where adult obesity rates in Africa have doubled over the past two decades. The nutrition transition marked by increased consumption of processed foods and reduced physical activity is driving this epidemic and its associated risks, including diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using national health survey data collected between 2020 and 2025 from 10,000 adults aged 18 years and above across Nigeria. Anthropometric measurements (BMI, waist circumference), fasting glucose, and lipid profiles were assessed. Participants’ socioeconomic status, dietary patterns, and physical activity levels were analyzed using structured questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of obesity, adjusting for age, sex, and income.
RESULTS:
Overall obesity prevalence was 25% (95% CI: 23.7–26.3), with rates significantly higher in urban (33%) than rural (16%) populations (p < 0.001). Women were more affected (30%) than men (19%) (OR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.6–2.1). The prevalence of type 2 diabetes was 12%, while metabolic syndrome affected 20% of participants. Obesity was strongly associated with higher socioeconomic status (OR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.9–3.0) and low physical activity (OR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.6–2.7). Diets high in processed foods and sugary beverages increased the odds of obesity by 2.8 times (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS:
Obesity in Africa is an emerging epidemic driven by socioeconomic advancement, urbanization, and poor dietary behaviours. Urgent, context-specific interventions focusing on promoting physical activity, healthy diets, and equitable health education are essential to curb this trend and prevent the long-term burden of non-communicable diseases across the continent.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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