SA Study Links Childhood Obesity in SA to Adult-Like Chronic Illnesses

A groundbreaking South African study has uncovered disturbing trends in childhood obesity, revealing that an increasing number of young children—some as young as five—are suffering from serious health conditions typically seen in adults. The research, conducted by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) in collaboration with Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH) in Durban, is the first in South Africa to extensively document the health impacts of obesity in children under 12 years old.

Published in the international journal Obesity Pillars, the study analyzed health records of 430 children treated for obesity between 2012 and 2022, uncovering a sharp rise in hypertension, abnormal cholesterol levels, and elevated glucose levels—markers commonly associated with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and kidney problems.

Children Under Five Affected

Alarmingly, 27.9% of the children studied were under the age of five, with the average age slightly above seven. The findings debunk the myth that obesity-related illnesses are confined to adulthood, instead painting a bleak picture of early-onset chronic disease risk.

• 46.1% of children had hypertension

• 12.8% were pre-hypertensive

• 30.2% were diagnosed with dyslipidaemia (abnormal cholesterol or blood fat levels)

• About 5% had signs of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes

“These conditions significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes, and kidney problems later in life,” warned the SAMRC in a statement.

A Health Crisis in the Making

Professor Nasheeta Peer, co-author of the study and researcher at the SAMRC’s Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, described the findings as deeply troubling.

“Seeing such a high burden of chronic diseases in children, some as young as five, is a red flag. These are conditions we typically expect in middle-aged adults, yet they’re already taking root in childhood due to obesity,” said Peer.

The research highlights the interplay between poor lifestyle choices and inherited risks, with many children exhibiting behaviours that are known contributors to cardiometabolic illness.

Lifestyle Behaviours Fueling the Crisis

The study found a concerning prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle habits among the children studied:

• 47.9% drank sugary soft drinks daily

• 43.5% spent over two hours on screens (TV, phones, tablets) per day

• 42.3% participated in less than 30 minutes of physical activity daily

“These behaviours are not isolated. They are the product of systemic issues—easy access to sugary drinks, limited safe play areas, and sedentary routines exacerbated by screen addiction,” noted Peer.

Furthermore, strong family histories of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension were reported, suggesting that genetics and shared family environments play a role in the rising prevalence of these conditions.

Urgent Recommendations from the Study

Despite the alarming findings, the study outlines clear strategies to mitigate the growing crisis:

1. Preventative Interventions: Early-life interventions are essential, including:

   • Healthy dietary practices in schools and homes

   • Mandatory daily physical activity for children

   • Screen time regulations

2. Routine Screening: Regular health checks in schools and clinics for:

   • Blood pressure

   • Glucose and cholesterol levels

   • BMI (Body Mass Index)

3. Early Medical Intervention: For children already diagnosed with elevated risk markers, timely treatment can prevent lifelong illness.

4. Multi-Sectoral Action: Peer and her colleagues argue that broader societal shifts are also needed:

   • Policy changes to regulate unhealthy food marketing to children

   • Increased investment in public recreational infrastructure

   • Better integration of healthcare services for early detection and treatment

A Call to National Action

With South Africa already facing high rates of adult obesity, this study serves as a critical wake-up call to policymakers, educators, and parents.

“We must treat this as a national health emergency,” said Peer. “The earlier we act, the better the outcomes. Children with high glucose or high blood pressure levels still have a chance to reverse these conditions. But without action, we’re looking at a generation facing high rates of heart disease and diabetes by the time they reach adulthood.”

As the country battles with dual burdens of infectious and non-communicable diseases, the findings signal an urgent need to rethink how we support children’s health from an early age—through nutrition, activity, environment, and education.