Over half of Nairobi women aged 20–49 overweight or obese

A nutritionist has cautioned women against seeking quick weight-loss solutions and instead encouraged them to consult qualified nutritionists.

More than half of women aged between 20 and 49 in Nairobi county are overweight or obese, raising concerns about the growing risk of lifestyle-related diseases among women of reproductive age.

The latest Nairobi County Nutrition Status Report shows that 56.5 per cent of women in this age group are either overweight or obese. This, according to Jessica Mbochi, the Nairobi County Nutrition Coordinator, means that nearly six in every 10 women are affected.

Of these, 32.9 per cent are overweight, while 23.6 per cent are obese.

The findings point to a growing nutrition challenge in the capital, wich Mbochi attributed to unhealthy eating habits, low consumption of fruits and vegetables and increasingly sedentary lifestyles.

She said obesity among women was a major concern because of its link to non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular complications.

Source: The Star