Epidemiology of adult obesity

Authors

  • J H Goedecke Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6795-4771
  • J Hellig Cape Town Bariatric Clinic, Life Kingsbury Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2747-5415
  • M Conradie-Smit Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
  • W May Cape Town Bariatric Clinic, Life Kingsbury Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8573-224X
  • A Cois Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council and Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7014-6510

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7196/SAMJ.2025.v115i9b.3616

Keywords:

Epidemiology, Obesity, Guideline, South Africa

Abstract

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Healthcare providers should recognise and treat obesity as a chronic disease, caused by abnormal or excess body fat accumulation (adiposity) that impairs health, with increased risk of premature morbidity and mortality (Level 2b, Grade B).

2. The development of evidence-informed strategies at the health system and policy level should be directed at managing obesity in adults (Level 2b, Grade B).

3. Continued longitudinal national and regional surveillance of obesity that includes self-reported and measured data (i.e. heights, weights, waist circumferences) should be conducted on a regular basis (Level 2b, Grade B).

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Published

2025-11-04

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Obesity Guideline

How to Cite

1.
Goedecke JH, Hellig J, Conradie-Smit M, May W, Cois A. Epidemiology of adult obesity. S Afr Med J [Internet]. 2025 Nov. 4 [cited 2025 Nov. 12];115(10b):e3616. Available from: https://samajournals.co.za/index.php/samj/article/view/3616

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