In many African cultures, a larger belly has long been treated as a sign of wealth. However, that perception is increasingly proving deadly as deaths linked to obesity-related illnesses rise.
In Kenya, overweight politicians are often dubbed ” boss ” or Mkubwa, Swahili for “big man” by constituents, who associate size with prosperity. But younger politicians, including governors in Nairobi and Mombasa, have begun speaking publicly about weight loss.
Health experts warn that obesity contributes to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, which has become a major cause of death in Kenya. The health ministry says these conditions account for a large share of fatalities each year.
The challenge is heightened by ongoing food insecurity, with the government stating that a significant portion of the population still struggles to meet basic nutritional needs. At the same time, the World Obesity Atlas reports that a notable proportion of Kenyan adults are obese.
