- Over 60% of adults are prediabetic
- 1 in 9 adults lives with diabetes
- Over 50% are overweight or obese
- 1 in 6 deaths is caused by heart disease
Over 60% of People are Prediabetic.
The South Africa Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS) shows that 64% of women and 66% of men over 15 years old are prediabetic. Prediabetes is diagnosed when your blood sugar levels are above the specified range but not high enough to be classified as having diabetes.
1 in 9 People have Diabetes.
The SADHS shows that diabetes has risen dramatically from around 4.5% in 2010 to 12.7% in 2019. Diabetes is also known to increase your risk of Cancer and Alzheimer's.
54% of South African Adults are Obese or Overweight.
In South Africa, over half of the adult population is overweight or obese. According to the Vitality Obesity Index 2023, 54% of South African adults fall into this category - 31% of men and 68% of women.
The World Health Organisation states that obesity increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and more. Obesity is among the top contributors to preventable deaths worldwide.
1 Out of 6 People die of Heart Disease
The Heart & Stroke Foundation of South Africa states that CVD accounts for about 17.3% of deaths (almost 1 in 6) in South Africa, based on national mortality statistics.
Some more stats from the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
- Heart disease and stroke are South Africa’s biggest killers after HIV/AIDS.
- More South Africans die of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than of all cancers combined.
- Globally, CVD kills over 17.3 million people every year — almost the population of the Netherlands.
- South Africa has one of the highest levels of overweight and obesity in the world, contributing to heart disease.
- Every hour in South Africa: 5 people have heart attacks & 10 people have strokes.
- 80% of premature deaths (before 60 years) can be prevented with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking.
In South Africa, more than half of adults aged 50 and older report having at least one chronic disease—such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease—and nearly one in four have two or more chronic conditions.
Chronic Disease in Older South Africans
A 2013 study in South Africa showed that about 50% of adults aged 50 and older live with at least one chronic condition, and roughly 1 in 5 (22.5%) live with two or more.
A more recent 2024 study showed that the number might be even higher. A study done in a rural area of northeast South Africa showed that 80% of adults aged 60 and older have at least one chronic condition.
According to research published in 2025, in the US, nearly 93% of adults 60 and older have at least one chronic condition, while nearly 79% have two or more.
It seems that SA is not as bad as the US just yet, but we could be catching up...
