Public attitudes towards responsibilities and actions to curb obesity in South Africa: Second South African Human Development Pulse Survey

Abstract

Background: the obesity epidemic is a major global public health concern. Despite high food insecurity, South Africa is one of the most obesity-burdened nations in Africa. Additionally, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasing in this region, with obesity presenting as a key modifiable risk factor contributing to this burden.

Methodology: this extensive, nationally representative study assessed the prevalence of overweight and obesity confirmed by healthcare professionals among South African adults (aged 18 years and older). Various socioeconomic and demographic correlates were explored while investigating public attitudes, support for action, and nutritional knowledge related to obesity.

Results: in the total sample, 3.2% reported being told by a healthcare professional that they were overweight or obese, with females at a higher rate (3.5%). Regarding responsibility for addressing overweight/obesity, more respondents with low dietary recommendation knowledge (DRK) felt that none of the suggestions made were responsible (by +12.5%) compared with those with higher knowledge. Overweight/obese individuals cited ‘gyms and leisure centres’, ‘healthcare professionals’, and all categories listed as responsible. Both males and females favoured ‘gyms and leisure centres’ (19.1% vs.19.7%) and ‘healthcare professionals’ (17.7% vs 17.1%), with urban respondents showing slightly more support for most suggestions than rural respondents (by ≥ 0.4%). When asked about actions to reduce overweight/obesity, those with low knowledge expressed neutral views to all actions (≥ 38.9%) but opposed ‘banning adverts for high-fat foods’ (41.4%), unlike those with moderate or high DRK.

Conclusion: lower public support was found for implementing or increasing taxes to reduce obesity-related burdens. There is a need for evidence-based interventions that include nutrition education targeting vulnerable groups, such as those who are overweight or obese.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Shane A. Norris: orcid.org/0000-0001-7124-3788

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