Statistics from Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) indicate that obesity is gradually increasing among Rwandans which is creating fear of consequences that may arise from it if no immediate measures are devised.
During the one week reserved for testing non-communicable diseases held last month, 35 of 2600 people from Kigali city had abnormal weight, 12% had hypertension while 1% was detected with much sugar in blood.
The Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV) carried in 2014/2015 indicates that 22% of Rwandan population is obese.
Talking to IGIHE the head of non-communicable diseases department at RBC, Dr Francois Uwinkindi has cited poor diet, consuming much sugar and oily foods among the causes of such obesity.
“Today people eat eating poorly.The processed foods contain much sugar and oil. We nowadays spend most of the time sitting without doing sports. Most people no longer walk but, rather, use cars which increase obesity among Rwandans.”
He explained that only few people are aware of choosing a balanced diet that does not leave them prone to obesity risks.
Breeds other diseases
Dr Uwinkindi says obesity can cause other non-communicable diseases including diabetes, hypertension, heart attack and can increase the risk of breast cancer, intestine cancer and neck cancer among others.
Regular sports
Apart from advice to consume organic fresh food, Dr Uwinkindi says Rwandans should organize regular physical exercises other than waiting for specific hours designated by the government.
“At least 30 minutes of daily sports can reduce risks of obesity-related diseases, “he said.
Information from the World Health Organization indicates that 2,800,000 of world population die of obesity while 35.8 million people have obesity related diseases, reducing life expectancy.
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