obesity

To save rural communities from junk food, raise awareness and the sugar tax, says health group

News

In rural areas, unhealthy food is cheap and accessible while awareness about the dangers is low. That’s why the Healthy Living Alliance is kicking off a campaign in communities and lobbying government for a sugar tax increase.

Mogale Mojela
March 17, 2021

Silence adds to the harm of obesity, new study shows

News

A study polling thousands of people living with obesity and the health workers who serve them finds that there is a gap in meaningful dialogue about the disease.

Sasha Star
March 4, 2021

Doctors warn against families bringing unhealthy food into hospitals

News

Mageu may be an old favourite and sweets may cheer the patient up, but these foods could hinder your loved one's recovery. Botshabelo District Hospital is concerned about the unhealthy foods families bring for admitted patients. Instead, they advise these healthier alternatives.

Teboho
February 24, 2021

Fresh fruit and vegetables on sale in Cape Town

Some food prices actually dropped in January, but people are short of cash

News

Potatoes may be cheaper but the price of ginger and garlic has surged due to home remedies to boos the immune system. The pandemic led to record highs for food prices in 2020, and even as prices dip, South Africans can't afford it.

Soligah
February 3, 2021

Arthur Ramoroka Nutritionist Tiger Brands

The link between Covid-19, food labeling and obesity

News

Research just released by a South African food company shows that more than 50% of respondents say they gained weight during the Covid-19 lockdown – but it also shows that more people are starting to read food labels properly.

healthe
December 7, 2020

‘I used food as a reward but I’ve used it to punish myself too’ – How trauma leads to obesity

Health

Studies link obesity and binge eating to adverse life events or trauma, and experts agree that the underlying causes of obesity must be addressed in order to promote health and wellbeing, especially amid a global pandemic, writes Jamaine Krige.

healthe
August 31, 2020

Know your food labels

News

Eating healthy is about understanding the ingredients in your food. Don't be fooled by confusing labels, writes Bibi-Aisha Wadvalla.

healthe
July 20, 2020

#LockdownSA: Looming food emergency due to structural inequalities

News

The nutrition challenges facing South Africa are complex and underpinned by historical and current inequalities, while undernutrition coexists with the rising incidence of obesity and non-communicable diseases, say experts.

jamesthabo
June 26, 2020

The evolution to healthy eating

Health

Food is fuel, but this concept is relatively new to me. I wasn’t always conscious of what I ate and I would often wolf down food because I was either hungry, bored, or emotional. That was me in 2017, writes Reesha Chibba.

healthe
June 23, 2020

HEALA calls for 20% tax on sugary drinks

News

The alliance has been encouraged by public support on proposals for an increase in the Health Promotion Levy (HPL)

Marcia Moyana
February 11, 2020

Women advised: lose weight before conceiving

News

Rising obesity amongst pregnant women is an increasing concern to health professionals because it puts their lives and that of their unborn babies at risk.

Marcia Moyana
February 10, 2020

The festive season is upon us… but so is diabetes

Health

The festive season is a time of decadent food, drink and all things merry, but do you know the long-term effects of the foods you consume during this time?

MJ Matsolo
December 11, 2019

Health minister supports the reduction of sugar in sweetened beverages

News

Currently, the health promotion levy — implemented in April 2018 — is almost half of the World Health Organisation’s recommendation which research has shown could be more effective.

jamesthabo
November 19, 2019

Amidst water challenges, councillors train to remain healthy

Our Health

Morning exercise sessions are improving the health and wellness of Maluti-a-Phofung councillors. It also gives them an edge when dealing with concerns, such as the current water crisis.

Teboho
October 22, 2019

Doctor sounds health warning bell for villagers

Our Health

Many villagers in rural Vhembe binge on cheap traditional beer, don’t have access to nutritious meals and don’t exercise – a triple combination that can prove lethal.

Ndivhuwo Mukwevho
July 24, 2019

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