Economic Pressures and Poor Diets Drive Youth Obesity in South Africa

Health professionals in Orange Farm, south of Johannesburg, are reporting a concerning increase in obesity among adolescents, highlighting a broader national trend. Community health worker Mapule Mbhele from the Barney Molokoane Clinic notes that unhealthy eating habits, including the consumption of sugary drinks, snacks, and processed foods, often begin at a very young age.

Specialist physician and endocrinologist Dr. Reyna Daya warns that childhood obesity leads to long-term health complications. She explains that those who are obese as children are more likely to remain so as adults, potentially developing high blood pressure and diabetes in their 20s or 30s. Dr. Daya noted that obesity is now appearing in teenagers and children under 10.

Registered dietitian Azi Booi argues that the crisis in low-income communities is driven by affordability and access rather than personal choice. Booi explains that families may rely on foods that provide a feeling of fullness quickly but lack essential protein, fiber, and nourishment because a single grant must often feed an entire household.

This sentiment is echoed by the Just Transition in the Food System group, a coalition of health and food justice advocates. In a submission to the South African Human Rights Commission’s food systems inquiry, the group stated that high food prices are driving the crisis, forcing poor households to rely on cheap, highly processed "poverty foods."

Recent research supports these observations. A 2025 study from the South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition, led by Wits-affiliated researchers, found that obesity and overweight are particularly common among adolescent girls in urban areas. The study also highlighted a "triple burden of malnutrition," where obesity exists alongside underweight and micronutrient deficiencies.

Despite efforts by clinic staff to conduct door-to-door visits and health talks to promote healthier lifestyles, community health workers report that more children and adolescents continue to struggle with their weight. Experts suggest that the systemic nature of the problem, including the cost of living and the food environment, makes it difficult for vulnerable populations to access nutritious options.