Urbanization Drift and Obesity Epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review of the Situation in Nigeria

The growing trend of obesity worldwide and in sub-Saharan Africa can be linked to the urbanization drift experienced in recent years both in developed and developing countries like Nigeria, at four pivotal points namely: physical activity level, socio-economic status (SES), nutritional and psychosocial factors. Literature search was done using Medline/PubMed and Google Scholar for published studies on the urbanization rate, and the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Nigeria. The socio-demographic determinants of obesity among adults in the Nigerian population were female gender, marriage, low physical activity level, positive family history, urban area of residence and age ≥ 40 years. Obesity was more prevalent among women of low SES living in the urban area than those of high SES. Also overweight and obesity was more prevalent among young children (girls than boys) living in an urban than rural area and attending private than public schools. In order to prevent a higher trend of obesity in future, more of awareness/attitudinal reorientation programmes need to be created by health based action groups in collaboration with government agencies on perception, risky lifestyles and cultures associated with excessive weight gain.