Obesity on the rise in South Africa

The study revealed that obesity is on an alarming increase in South Africa, particularly amongst females. Lifestyle diseases resulting from obesity - including diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease - were thus also found to be increasing.

So what can you do about this?

Start taking care of yourself by eating right and exercising regularly.

The South African Heart and Stroke Foundation offers some guidelines for a heart-healthy diet:

• Consuming a diet that has a variety of nutritious and colourful foods (e.g. fruits and vegetables)

• Including high-fibre starchy foods in most meals (e.g. brown bread, brown rice, oats, potatoes, etc)

• Eating lean or lower fat meat

• Having fat free, low fat or reduced fat dairy products

• Consuming healthy sources of protein such as dried beans, soya or lentils at least twice a week

• Reducing or eliminating alcohol, salt and sugar intake

• Drinking sufficient water daily.

Be sure to get active if you are currently inactive or need to increase your exercise levels.

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