On paper, it might seem simple. Eat less unhealthy food, exercise more, and you’ll avoid obesity. But for many South Africans, the reality is far more complicated.
According to the World Obesity Observatory, more than 32% of adults in South Africa are living with obesity. The conversation is often reduced to just people making poor food choices, but there’s a bigger issue at play.
The April 2025 Household Affordability Index shows that the average cost of a household food basket is R5 420,30. That’s already more than the national minimum wage of R4 836,72 a month for a general worker.
For many low-income households, their environment, cost of food, time constraints, and an already stretched income often shape their diets.
In essence, it’s not just about what’s on your plate. Obesity in South Africa is a multi-layered issue.
