Johannesburg – The Gauteng Department of Health, in collaboration with Novo Nordisk and the City of Johannesburg, has called for urgent action to tackle childhood obesity following the first day of the World Obesity Day Summit in Johannesburg.
The event, on Tuesday, (4 March 2025), themed “Unpacking the complexities of childhood obesity,” focused on sustainable interventions to address the rising obesity crisis in South Africa.
Addressing the summit, MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo Ralehoko, stressed that obesity is fuelling non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and strokes, placing immense pressure on Gauteng’s healthcare system.
“We can no longer afford to look at obesity as just a lifestyle issue, it is a public health crisis that is burdening our hospitals,” said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.
“Prevention is our best weapon, and as a province, we are committed to encouraging healthier lifestyles through health promotion campaigns and accessible healthcare services.”
South Africa’s selection as one of six countries globally in the Cities for Better Health Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative (CBH COPI), led by Novo Nordisk, highlights the urgency of the issue.
With 13% of South African children aged 6 to 14 overweight or obese, Johannesburg has been identified as a key focus area for interventions that aim to promote healthier lifestyles.
Vice President and General Manager of Novo Nordisk South Africa, Sara Norcross, emphasised the need for long-term, community-driven solutions.
“Tackling childhood obesity requires sustainable interventions that empower families, schools, and local governments to support healthier lifestyles,” said Norcross.
“We are excited to work alongside the Gauteng Department of Health to create lasting impact.”
The summit also featured Belle Oliver, a Nutritional Therapist and Health Advocate, who shared her lived experience with childhood obesity.
Having grown up overweight, she spoke about the emotional and physical struggles she endured.
“They used to make us run at school, and I would always come last. I started hating myself and could not even look in the mirror,” said Oliver.
“I weighed 95 kg, and nothing seemed to work for me. I even had terrible dreams, I dreamt of killing myself. At 16, I was diagnosed with diabetes, and I couldn’t understand why because I thought those were diseases for adults.”
The Gauteng Department of Health is leveraging its outreach campaigns to educate communities on healthy living and the importance of primary healthcare facilities where dietitians are available.
Hospitals like Tembisa Tertiary, Chris Hani Baragwanath, and Charlotte Maxeke are already seeing a surge in obesity-related illnesses, with over 1 250 new stroke patients treated at Tembisa Tertiary Hospital last year.
