Obesity and associated non-communicable diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and ischaemic
heart disease were previously thought to be diseases of affluent countries, but they are becoming increasingly
prevalent in developing nations. Accessibility to cheap unhealthy food, global trade and market development
influence nutrition transition towards diets with high fat and sugar contents. A decrease in physical activity due to
urbanisation and other environmental factors such as crime and violence are thought to lead to an increased risk of
obesity. Positive beliefs about body weight among black African women, together with the idea of association of
thinness with HIV/AIDS virus infection are believed to fuel the obesity epidemic amongst this population This paper
describes some of the contributory factors which black South African women are faced with in making choices about
healthy living. A multisectoral approach will be needed to fight the epidemic of obesity and associated diseases.National
Research Foundation (NRF) and the University
of the Western Cap
