In a significant stride towards understanding and combating diet-related obesity, researchers at the University of Pretoria (UP) have identified a gene that could be central to how our bodies accumulate fat. The discovery offers a glimmer of hope for the millions of South Africans struggling with their weight. It could revolutionise future treatments centred around addressing the obesity gene. The…
Tag: obesity
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The Rise in Obesity: Rethinking Our Response
The global rise in obesity, particularly among children and young people, is a pressing health concern. A recent study reveals that the proportion of young people (aged 5-24) living with obesity more than tripled from 2% in 1990 to over 6% by 2021. South Africa faces a particularly severe challenge. Specifically, 16% of children aged 6-18 are classified as “severely…
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Ozempic and Mounjaro are reshaping South Africa’s health market
The landscape of weight management and diabetes treatment in South Africa is undergoing a dramatic transformation. This change is driven by the meteoric rise in popularity of a class of drugs known as GLP-1s, including Ozempic and Mounjaro. These medications, initially developed for Type 2 diabetes, have shown significant efficacy in promoting weight loss. As a result, there is unprecedented…
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Impact of Food Insecurity on Obesity Rates in South Africa
South Africa has the highest obesity rate in Africa, with half of all adults classified as overweight or obese—68% of women and 38% of men. Shockingly, nearly 70% of obese adults live in food-insecure households, relying on cheap, energy-dense, yet nutrient-poor foods. As the world marked World Obesity Day this week, the Association for Dietetics in South Africa (Adsa) warned…
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GLP-1 drugs increase healthcare costs for obese patients
GLP-1 drugs, such as Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, have become popular for weight loss among US patients struggling with obesity. Despite significant weight-loss benefits, an analysis of US health insurance claims reveals that these medications may drive healthcare costs higher rather than reducing obesity-related expenses. According to data from Prime Therapeutics, a pharmacy benefits manager, US patients’ average annual medical expenses…