An advocacy group, the National Action on Sugar Reduction, has cautioned Nigerians against the misconception that having potbellies is an indication of living a ‘good life’, noting that belly fat has been linked to an increased risk of hypertension, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
The advocacy group lamented that many Nigerians associate obesity with simply being chubby or fat, adding that people do not recognise that a build-up of abdominal fat, or a ‘pot belly’, amounts to obesity.
The group in a statement released by its secretary, Omei Bongos-Ikwue, noted that research showed that almost six million Nigerians suffer from hypertension due to obesity.
Bongos-Ikwue, who is also a public health expert, said the advocacy group has launched a campaign tagged; “BigBelleFitKillPerson” to target 47 million Nigerians with abdominal obesity.
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The campaign featured striking visuals aimed at highlighting the health risks of abdominal obesity.
While stressing that obesity is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease, the public health expert noted that increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is one of the major causes of obesity in Nigeria.
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She added, “Many Nigerians associate obesity with simply being chubby or fat, and do not recognise that a buildup of abdominal fat, or a “potbelly,” amounts to obesity. This feeds into the common misconception that people with pot bellies are only living the “good life.”
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