Sex disparities in adult obesity prevalence across 47 African countries: A cross-sectional descriptive study

The findings reveal that adult obesity is a pronounced and growing public health concern in Africa, with marked heterogeneity in prevalence between countries and an overwhelming burden among women. These disparities reflect the sociocultural, economic, and biological factors influencing obesity risk, including urbanization, dietary transitions, and gender norms. The pronounced sex disparity points to the need for context-specific, sex-sensitive interventions and policies to effectively address obesity and its health consequences. Policymakers and health practitioners should prioritize multisectoral strategies that promote healthy diets and physical activity and address the unique barriers faced by women. Enhanced surveillance and research are also needed to further elucidate the determinants of obesity and to monitor progress toward reducing health inequities across the continent, including fiscal, regulatory, and community-based actions tailored to women's needs.