South Africa
- Overview
- Obesity prevalence
- Trends over time
- Population breakdowns
- Drivers
- Comorbidities
- Health systems
- Policies
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National obesity risk *8/10This is a composite ‘obesity risk’ score (out of 10, the highest risk) based on obesity prevalence, rate of increase, likelihood of meeting the 2025 target, treatment indicator and childhood stunting levels.Childhood obesity risk *6/11This is a ‘risk score’ for each country’s likelihood of having or acquiring a major childhood obesity problem during the 2020s, taking account of current prevalence levels and risk for future obesity (based on stunting among infants, maternal obesity, maternal smoking, and breastfeeding rates).
* Based on estimated data. For more information see Publications
Obesity prevalence
Trends over time
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The report card collates all the most-recent graphics for this country. If you would like to produce a custom report based on selected graphics, just tap the Add to custom PDF button below the graphics you would like to use.Population breakdowns
Drivers
Comorbidities
Health systems
Obesity prevalence
Adults, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 7767 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | South Africa Demographic Health Survey |
| Notes: | 3105 Men 4662 Women |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2012
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 7267 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | NHANES South Africa http://www.hsrc.ac.za/en/research-outputs/view/6493 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2003
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 7756 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Department of Health, Medical Research Council, OrcMacro. 2007. South Africa Demographic and Health Survey 2003. Pretoria: Department of Health. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1998
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 13585 |
| References: | Personal Communication from V Lambert. Anthropometric patterns in SA: Results from the National Demographic and Adult Health Survey, 1998 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2012
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 2-14 |
| Sample size: | 4278 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | NHANES South Africa http://www.hsrc.ac.za/en/research-outputs/view/6493 |
| Notes: | IOTF Cut off. Reference: Cole TJ, Bellizzi MC, Flegal KM, Dietz WH. Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: International survey. BMJ. 2000 May 6;320(7244):1240-3 NB. Combined child data estimated. These estimates were calculated by weighting male and female survey results. Weighting based on World Bank Population % total female 2019 (https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL.FE.ZS - accessed 20.11.20) |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2001-2004
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-13 |
| Sample size: | 10283 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Armstrong MEG, Lambert MI, Sharwood KA & Lambert EV. 2006. Obesity and overweight in South African primany school children - the Health of the Nation Study. South African Medical Journal, 96: 439 - 444. |
| Notes: | IOTF Cut off. Reference: Cole TJ, Bellizzi MC, Flegal KM, Dietz WH. Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: International survey. BMJ. 2000 May 6;320(7244):1240-3. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
% Adults living with obesity, 1998-2016
Men
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1998: Personal Communication from V Lambert. Anthropometric patterns in SA: Results from the National Demographic and Adult Health Survey, 1998 2003: Department of Health, Medical Research Council, OrcMacro. 2007. South Africa Demographic and Health Survey 2003. Pretoria: Department of Health. 2012: NHANES South Africa http://www.hsrc.ac.za/en/research-outputs/view/6493 2016: South Africa Demographic Health Survey |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Women
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1998: Personal Communication from V Lambert. Anthropometric patterns in SA: Results from the National Demographic and Adult Health Survey, 1998 2003: Department of Health, Medical Research Council, OrcMacro. 2007. South Africa Demographic and Health Survey 2003. Pretoria: Department of Health. 2012: NHANES South Africa http://www.hsrc.ac.za/en/research-outputs/view/6493 2016: South Africa Demographic Health Survey |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
% Adults living with overweight or obesity, 1998-2016
Men
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1998: Personal Communication from V Lambert. Anthropometric patterns in SA: Results from the National Demographic and Adult Health Survey, 1998 2003: Department of Health, Medical Research Council, OrcMacro. 2007. South Africa Demographic and Health Survey 2003. Pretoria: Department of Health. 2012: NHANES South Africa http://www.hsrc.ac.za/en/research-outputs/view/6493 2016: South Africa Demographic Health Survey |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Women
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 1998: Personal Communication from V Lambert. Anthropometric patterns in SA: Results from the National Demographic and Adult Health Survey, 1998 2003: Department of Health, Medical Research Council, OrcMacro. 2007. South Africa Demographic and Health Survey 2003. Pretoria: Department of Health. 2012: NHANES South Africa http://www.hsrc.ac.za/en/research-outputs/view/6493 2016: South Africa Demographic Health Survey |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Overweight/obesity by education
Men, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 3105 Men4662 Women |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | South Africa Demographic Health Survey 2016 |
| Notes: | Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 3105 Men4662 Women |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | South Africa Demographic Health Survey 2016 |
| Notes: | Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2003
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 15+ |
| References: | Department of Health, Medical Research Council, OrcMacro. 2007. South Africa Demographic and Health Survey 2003. Pretoria: Department of Health. (https://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/FR206/FR206.pdf last accessed 08.07.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2003
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 15+ |
| References: | Department of Health, Medical Research Council, OrcMacro. 2007. South Africa Demographic and Health Survey 2003. Pretoria: Department of Health. (https://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/FR206/FR206.pdf last accessed 08.07.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 1998
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 15+ |
| References: | Demographic Health Survey 1998, Preliminary Report (https://www.samrc.ac.za/sites/default/files/files/2017-07-03/dhsfin1.pdf last accessed 08.07.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 1998
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 15+ |
| References: | Demographic Health Survey 1998, Preliminary Report (https://www.samrc.ac.za/sites/default/files/files/2017-07-03/dhsfin1.pdf last accessed 08.07.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Overweight/obesity by age
Adults, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 3105 Men4662 Women |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | South Africa Demographic Health Survey 2016 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2007-2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 3836 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Wu F, Guo Y, Chatterji S, et al. Common risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases among older adults in China, Ghana, Mexico, India, Russia and South Africa: the study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) wave 1. BMC Public Health. 2015;15:88. doi:10.1186/s12889-015-1407-0. |
| Notes: | Prevalence of obesity for adults aged 50+ |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2003
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| References: | Department of Health, Medical Research Council, OrcMacro. 2007. South Africa Demographic and Health Survey 2003. Pretoria: Department of Health. (https://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/FR206/FR206.pdf last accessed 08.07.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1998
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| References: | Demographic Health Survey 1998, Preliminary Report (https://www.samrc.ac.za/sites/default/files/files/2017-07-03/dhsfin1.pdf last accessed 08.07.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Overweight/obesity by region
Men, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 3105 Men 4662 Women |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | South Africa Demographic Health Survey 2016 |
| Notes: | Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 3105 Men 4662 Women |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | South Africa Demographic Health Survey 2016 |
| Notes: | Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2007-2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 50+ |
| Sample size: | 3836 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Wu F, Guo Y, Chatterji S, et al. Common risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases among older adults in China, Ghana, Mexico, India, Russia and South Africa: the study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) wave 1. BMC Public Health. 2015;15:88. doi:10.1186/s12889-015-1407-0. |
| Notes: | Prevalence of obesity for adults aged 50+ |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2003
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 15+ |
| References: | Department of Health, Medical Research Council, OrcMacro. 2007. South Africa Demographic and Health Survey 2003. Pretoria: Department of Health. (https://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/FR206/FR206.pdf last accessed 08.07.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2003
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 15+ |
| References: | Department of Health, Medical Research Council, OrcMacro. 2007. South Africa Demographic and Health Survey 2003. Pretoria: Department of Health. (https://dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/FR206/FR206.pdf last accessed 08.07.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 1998
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 15+ |
| References: | Demographic Health Survey 1998, Preliminary Report (https://www.samrc.ac.za/sites/default/files/files/2017-07-03/dhsfin1.pdf last accessed 08.07.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 1998
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 15+ |
| References: | Demographic Health Survey 1998, Preliminary Report (https://www.samrc.ac.za/sites/default/files/files/2017-07-03/dhsfin1.pdf last accessed 08.07.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Overweight/obesity by socio-economic group
Men, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 7767 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | South Africa Demographic Health Survey 2016 |
| Notes: | Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 15+ |
| Sample size: | 7767 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | South Africa Demographic Health Survey 2016 |
| Notes: | Demographic Health Survey data includes ever married women aged 15-49 years only and may include males aged 15-59. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2007-2010
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 50+ |
| Sample size: | 3836 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Wu F, Guo Y, Chatterji S, et al. Common risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases among older adults in China, Ghana, Mexico, India, Russia and South Africa: the study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) wave 1. BMC Public Health. 2015;15:88. doi:10.1186/s12889-015-1407-0. |
| Notes: | Prevalence of obesity for adults aged 50+ by income level. Lowest (Quintile 1) is the quintile with the poorest households and Highest (Quintile 5) the quintile with the richest households. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Insufficient physical activity
Adults, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Men, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Women, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Estimated per capita fruit intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita fruit intake (g/day) |
Estimated per-capita processed meat intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita processed meat intake (g per day) |
Estimated per capita whole grains intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita whole grains intake (g/day) |
Mental health - depression disorders
Adults, 2015
| References: | Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. |
| Definitions: | % of population with depression disorders |
Mental health - anxiety disorders
Adults, 2015
| References: | Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. |
| Definitions: | % of population with anxiety disorders |
% Infants exclusively breastfed 0-5 months
Children, 2005-2020
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | South Africa Demographic and Health Survey 2016. Pretoria, South Africa, and Rockville, Maryland, USA: NDoH, Stats SA, SAMRC, and ICF |
| Notes: | See UNICEF website for further survey information. Available at : https://data.unicef.org/resources/dataset/infant-young-child-feeding/ (last accessed 28.9.21) Citation: United Nations Children’s Fund, Division of Data, Analysis, Planning and Monitoring (2021). Global UNICEF Global Databases: Infant and Young Child Feeding: Exclusive breastfeeding, New York, September 2021. |
| Definitions: | % exclusively breastfed 0-5 months |
Oesophageal cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, oesophagus, adults ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, oesophagus, adults ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Breast cancer
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, breast, females, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Colorectal cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, colorectum, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, colorectum, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Pancreatic cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, pancreas, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, pancreas, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Gallbladder cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, gallbladder, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, gallbladder, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Kidney cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, kidney, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, kidney, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Cancer of the uterus
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, cervix uteri, females, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Raised blood pressure
Adults, 2015
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90). |
Men, 2015
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90). |
Women, 2015
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90). |
Raised cholesterol
Adults, 2008
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885 |
| Definitions: | % Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate). |
Men, 2008
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885 |
| Definitions: | % Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate). |
Women, 2008
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885 |
| Definitions: | % Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate). |
Raised fasting blood glucose
Men, 2014
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication). |
Women, 2014
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication). |
Diabetes prevalence
Adults, 2021
| Age: | 20-79 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Reproduced with kind permission International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 10th edn. Brussels, Belgium:International Diabetes Federation, 2021. http://www.diabetesatlas.org |
| Definitions: | Age-adjusted comparative prevalence of diabetes, % |
Adults, 2019
| Age: | 20-79 |
| References: | Reproduced with kind permission International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 9th edn. Brussels,Belgium: 2019. Available at: https://www.diabetesatlas.org |
| Definitions: | Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%). |
Adults, 2017
| References: | Reproduced with kind permission of IDF, International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 8th edition. Brussels, Belgium: International Diabetes Federation, 2017. http://www.diabetesatlas.org |
| Definitions: | Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%). |
Health systems
Economic classification: Upper Middle Income
Health systems summary
South Africa has co-existing public and private health care systems that results in unequal and unequitable healthcare access among its population. The public system - provided for by the government - is made up of public clinics and hospitals accessible to all. Most services are free at point of service within the public system, including primary healthcare services. The public system, however, is chronically underfunded and understaffed. The private system, on the other hand, delivers high quality care but is financially out of reach for the majority of the population who do not have health insurance. The private system has a disproportionate amount of funding and healthcare professionals considering it only covers only 16% of the population.
South Africa is currently discussing the implementation of a National Health Insurance scheme that will reduce inequities in healthcare access between different socioeconomic groups.
Indicators
| Where is the country’s government in the journey towards defining ‘Obesity as a disease’? | No |
| Where is the country’s healthcare provider in the journey towards defining ‘Obesity as a disease’? | Some progress |
| Is there specialist training available dedicated to the training of health professionals to prevent, diagnose, treat and manage obesity? | Not known |
| Have any taxes or subsidies been put in place to protect/assist/inform the population around obesity? | Yes |
| Are there adequate numbers of trained health professionals in specialties relevant to obesity in urban areas? | Some progress |
| Are there adequate numbers of trained health professionals in specialties relevant to obesity in rural areas? | No |
| Are there any obesity-specific recommendations or guidelines published for adults? | Not known |
| Are there any obesity-specific recommendations or guidelines published for children? | Yes |
| In practice, how is obesity treatment largely funded? | Not known |
Summary of stakeholder feedback
The stakeholder reported although there is awareness of the extent of the obesity challenge in South Africa, there is a lack of political will to address it systematically.
The public health system - that covers the bulk of the population - is considered to be poor in terms of obesity prevention and treatment. There is a lack of healthcare professionals to treat obesity in both urban and rural areas, but widespread staff shortages throughout the health system mean that increasing the number of specialist obesity professionals is not a priority.
Compared to the public system, provision in the private sector is advanced. Private insurers appear to cover some treatments and the insurer Discovery Health was noted to have particularly good coverage. However, as such a small percentage of the population have private insurance coverage, it appears that obesity treatment is generally paid for out of pocket.
Based on interviews/survey returns from 1 stakeholder
Last updated: June 2020
