Obesity in Somalia

Obesity in Somalia is a health issue that has been steadily increasing in recent years. As of 2016, the adult obesity rate in Somalia was 8.3%, ranking it 153rd globally. This is a significant concern for the country's public health system.

Overview

Somalia, located in the Horn of Africa, has a population that is largely dependent on a nomadic pastoralist lifestyle. This traditionally active lifestyle has been changing due to urbanization and changes in diet, leading to an increase in obesity rates.

Healthcare Facilities

There are several healthcare facilities in Somalia that offer services for weight loss and obesity management. These include:

• Banadir Hospital - Located in Mogadishu, this is the largest hospital in Somalia and offers a range of healthcare services, including nutrition counseling and weight management programs.
• Somali-Swedish Research Association - This organization conducts research on health issues in Somalia, including obesity, and offers community-based health education and prevention programs.

Challenges

Despite these efforts, there are significant challenges to addressing obesity in Somalia. These include a lack of awareness about the health risks associated with obesity, limited access to healthcare services in rural areas, and the ongoing impact of conflict and instability on the country's healthcare system.

See Also

• Health in Somalia
• Obesity by country