Once considered a condition of the wealthier Western nations, obesity is now rising steadily across parts of Africa—a continent long associated with undernutrition and food scarcity. While malnutrition and hunger still plague many regions, a parallel crisis is emerging: an epidemic of excess, particularly in urbanized and rapidly developing nations.
We’ve ranked the African nations with the highest adult obesity rates, based on Body Mass Index (BMI) figures. The data, drawn from the World Health Organization and current as of 2022, reflects the percentage of adults aged 18 and above classified as obese across the continent.
Ranked: Top 15 African Countries by Adult Obesity Rate
At the top of the list sits Egypt, where 44.3% of adults are considered obese. This makes it not only the most affected country in Africa but also places it among the highest globally. Libya follows closely at 36.7%, and South Africa ranks third with 30.8%. Other notable entries include Eswatini (30.1%), Seychelles (29.4%), and Tunisia (26.8%).
| Rank | Country | % of Obese Adults (18+) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Egypt | 44.3% |
| 2 | Libya | 36.7% |
| 3 | South Africa | 30.8% |
| 4 | Eswatini | 30.1% |
| 5 | Seychelles | 29.4% |
| 6 | Tunisia | 26.8% |
| 7 | Algeria | 23.8% |
| 8 | Morocco | 21.8% |
| 9 | Gabon | 21.0% |
| 10 | Lesotho | 21.0% |
| 11 | Botswana | 18.3% |
| 12 | Equatorial Guinea | 17.7% |
| 13 | Liberia | 17.0% |
| 14 | Sudan | 17.0% |
| 15 | Namibia | 17.0% |
Why Are Obesity Rates Increasing in Africa?
Several factors contribute to the rising tide of obesity in Africa, particularly in urban centers:
- Urbanization: As more people migrate from rural areas to cities, their lifestyles shift dramatically. Traditional, physically demanding agricultural work is replaced by sedentary office jobs, while commuting often involves little to no walking.
- Dietary Transition: A surge in consumption of processed foods, sugary beverages, and fast food has accompanied urban growth. In countries like Egypt, government subsidies for wheat and sugar mean that energy-dense foods are more affordable and accessible than fresh fruits or vegetables.
- Cultural Perceptions: In some regions, a larger body size is traditionally associated with prosperity, beauty, or good health. This can contribute to a reluctance to recognize obesity as a health risk.
- Economic Duality: Some countries, like South Africa and Seychelles, are experiencing a double burden of malnutrition—where undernutrition and obesity exist within the same population, and sometimes the same household.
Obesity vs. Malnutrition: A Double Burden
While the data above highlights obesity, it’s critical to remember that many African countries still suffer from high levels of malnutrition, particularly among children. In fact, stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies remain widespread across the continent. This paradox—where some people suffer from too much food, and others from too little—is one of the defining health challenges facing Africa today.
A Continent at a Crossroads
Africa stands at a nutritional crossroads. While progress continues in fighting hunger, the creeping rise of obesity brings new challenges to public health systems already under strain. Understanding this emerging trend is the first step toward a balanced and healthier future—one that ensures nutritional equity for all, whether battling underweight or overweight conditions.