South Africa is reported to have one of the highest rates of obesity in the world.

According to the Vitality Obesity Index 2023, 54% of South African Adults are Obese or Overweight (31% are male and 68% are female).

However, we are overweight, but we are still malnourished.

According to the South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, About 40% of South Africans eat enough calories but eat food that contains so little nutrition that they are malnourished.

Close to 50% of our children have a vitamin A deficiency and 10% have an iron deficiency. This leaves children feeling tired and weak and causes stunting of growth. 

A typical meal amongst the poorer communities consists of highly processed mielie meal, bread, or rice with few vegetables, proteins, or essential nutrients.

Meals are also often prepared with cheap oil.

Average IQ’s are lowered due to this chronic undernutrition, especially in childhood. 

Adults on this diet are likely to become ill, or obese, putting them at a high risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancer.