Reporting and musing on events and culture in DR Congo since 2004

Tuesday, November 02, 2004

The New African Epidemic



The quotes below are from the following link:
Obesity epidemic 'out of control'

"On an African level we see now that obesity is a really major disease, in line with HIV and malnutrition. And it's quite clear that malnutrition and obesity can co-exist at the same time and in the same country," [Professor Arne Astrup] said.

Traditionally seen as a sign of wealth, being fat now has another significance for people living here.

Aids has had the nickname "slim" in Africa for many years because it makes its victims literally waste away. As a result, people do not want to lose weight in case others think they are HIV-positive.

In South Africa, one in three men and more than one in two adult women are overweight and obese. These are same levels as in the United States.

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